Introduction
Senator John Fetterman isn’t known for pulling punches — but even longtime political observers were caught off guard by what he said on Capitol Hill this week.
The Pennsylvania Democrat answered a pointed question from a Fox News reporter — and in doing so, offered unexpected praise for President Trump’s latest global trade moves.
Fetterman Surprises with Straight-Talk on Trump
The moment happened Friday afternoon when a Fox News reporter asked Fetterman whether he believed Trump was “winning the trade war.”
Fetterman didn’t dodge.
“I mean, absolutely,” he said, without hesitation.
He went further, backing up his answer by invoking Bill Maher, a prominent liberal voice:
“I’m a huge fan of Bill Maher… he thought the tariffs would tank the economy, and he acknowledged they didn’t.”
Fetterman’s remarks immediately sparked chatter across the political spectrum — especially as they came the same day Trump rolled out his most aggressive round of tariffs yet.
Trump’s New Tariffs Reshape Global Trade
On Friday, Trump announced sweeping new tariffs aimed at a wide range of countries. While the plan had been in the works since spring, the August 7 enforcement date is now set in stone.
Key details of the updated structure include:
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10% base tariff on all imports
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Country-specific increases, including:
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Syria: 41%
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Laos: 40%
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Switzerland: 39%
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Iraq: 35%
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South Africa: 30%
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India: 25%
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The move reflects what Trump describes as a “reset” of America’s economic position, using leverage to extract better deals from long-term trade partners.
🇨🇦 Tariffs on Canada: A Notable Exception
One of the more controversial aspects of the announcement: the 35% tariff imposed on Canada. The White House cited the flow of fentanyl and Ottawa’s diplomatic shift on Palestine as key reasons for the move.
However, officials clarified that goods protected under USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) are exempt from the new tariffs.
Trump also signed an executive order imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports — a significant escalation meant to pressure Brasília over unresolved trade imbalances and security disagreements.
Despite the tough talk, Trump left the door open to deals:
“It doesn’t mean somebody doesn’t come along in four weeks and say we can make some kind of a deal,” he told NBC News.
He gave Mexico a 90-day extension for talks, with the goal of locking in a long-term pact. China remains in a tense negotiation window, with an August 12 deadline still looming.
Progress So Far: Who’s In, Who’s Out
The Trump administration has already locked in agreements with:
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European Union
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South Korea
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Japan
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United Kingdom
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Indonesia
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Philippines
But final deals with Mexico and China are still in play — and how those unfold will likely determine whether Trump’s aggressive trade realignment is viewed as bold strategy or risky overreach.
Fetterman: “Give Credit Where It’s Due”
Returning to Fetterman, the Democrat made it clear he isn’t throwing support behind Trump the candidate — but on trade, he’s willing to acknowledge the results:
“The tariffs didn’t destroy the economy like some predicted. That’s just the reality.”
In today’s hyper-partisan climate, such blunt recognition — especially from a high-profile Democratic senator — is almost unheard of.
Whether it reflects a broader shift in sentiment or just one maverick’s honest take, Fetterman’s admission adds fuel to the growing perception that Trump’s trade policy is gaining bipartisan grudging respect.
