Trump says the US should concentrate on producing tanks rather than t-shirts

President Trump has emphasized his desire for American industrial power by emphasizing a move away from clothing production and toward defense production.

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump defended his tariff policy, arguing that it is a way to encourage high-value domestic production, such military gear and technology, instead of consumer items like T-shirts and shoes.

In an interview with reporters prior to boarding Air Force One in New Jersey, Trump repeated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s April 29 statement that the US does not necessarily require a “booming textile industry.” After making the remark, the National Council of Textile Organizations reacted negatively.

“Making T-shirts and sneakers is not our goal. Our goal is to manufacture military hardware. We’d like to create big things. “We want to create and implement AI,” Trump declared. “I have no intention of making socks. We’re capable of doing that in other places. We want to work on computers, semiconductors, tanks, ships, and many other things.

Steve Lamar, president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, criticized his remarks, claiming that more tariffs would only harm low-income consumers and US businesses. Lamar stated, “We need to focus on common sense solutions that can move the needle, since 97% of the clothes and shoes we wear are imported, and the clothing and shoe industry is already the most heavily tariffed in the US.” “More tariffs will only result in higher prices that will harm lower-income consumers and higher input costs for US manufacturers.”

Trump made these comments as part of his larger initiative to change US trade policy. He threatened Apple with a 25% tax on imported iPhones on Friday and demanded a 50% tariff on EU goods beginning on June 1. Nevertheless, following a discussion with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, he changed his mind and extended the EU tariff deadline to July 9 in order to allow for additional negotiations.

Trump has positioned himself as a supporter of American industry, having used his appeal to working-class voters to win the presidency in both 2016 and 2024. Even with his efforts, the US economy still depends largely on global supply networks, particularly for inexpensive items like apparel and shoes.