U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his trade rhetoric, declaring that his administration’s tariff policy is designed to promote domestic manufacturing of advanced military and technological products rather than consumer goods like T-shirts and sneakers. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey before boarding Air Force One, Trump echoed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s view that the United States does not need a thriving textile sector, a stance that has drawn criticism from the National Council of Textile Organizations. Trump emphasised, “We’re not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts. We want to make military equipment. We want to make big things. We want to do the AI thing with computers”.

Trump’s remarks come amid his proposal for a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union starting June 1 and a warning of a potential 25% tariff on all imported iPhones purchased by American consumers. These sweeping tariffs are part of a broader strategy to shift U.S. industrial focus towards sectors like artificial intelligence, computer chips, tanks, and ships, aiming to bolster the nation’s technological and defence capabilities. According to Trump, “Honestly, I’m not interested in producing T-shirts or socks. Other places can handle that effectively. Our goal is to develop chips, computers, and many other advanced products, as well as tanks and ships”.

The president’s position has sparked debate within U.S. industry circles, particularly among textile manufacturers who argue that abandoning the sector could cost American jobs and undermine a historically significant industry. However, Trump maintains that prioritising high-tech and defence-related manufacturing will ensure the U.S. remains competitive in critical areas of innovation and security. He insists that the country should focus on “making military equipment, big things, AI, computers, chips, tanks, and ships,” while allowing other nations to handle basic consumer goods production.

Trump’s approach reflects a broader vision of economic nationalism, where tariffs and industrial policy are leveraged to protect and expand strategic industries. By advocating for investment in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, he aims to position the U.S. as a global leader in both defence and emerging technologies, even if it means moving away from traditional sectors like textiles.