Kellyanne Conway defended Trump’s tariff policies at a Daily Caller event, challenging both Democrats and free-market conservatives to recognize the strategy’s success in strengthening America’s economic position against foreign competitors.

At a Glance

• Conway addressed Trump-aligned business elites and free-market conservatives on Fox Business, defending the former president’s tariff strategies
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported progress in U.S.-China trade talks following implementation of Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
• Conway emphasized working-class American support for Trump’s trade policies despite criticism from establishment economists
• She criticized the Biden administration’s economic performance, pointing to inflation without tariffs
• Conway highlighted Trump’s current Middle East trip aimed at securing economic agreements and strengthening ties with Gulf allies

Conway Defends Trump’s Tariff Strategy

Former senior counselor to President Trump, Kellyanne Conway, made a spirited defense of Trump-era tariff policies during a recent Daily Caller event. Speaking to an audience that included both Trump-aligned business leaders and free-market conservatives, Conway highlighted how the administration’s trade approach has proven successful despite initial skepticism from economic experts. Her comments come as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced significant progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations, which followed Trump’s implementation of reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports.

Conway’s remarks underscored the administration’s broader economic strategy, which aims to level the playing field for American manufacturers while putting pressure on trading partners to address long-standing imbalances. The tariffs, initially criticized as potentially harmful to American consumers, have instead resulted in more favorable trade terms according to the administration. Conway specifically addressed criticisms from both political opponents and traditional conservative allies who initially expressed concerns about potential economic fallout.

Working Class Support and Economic Results

A key aspect of Conway’s presentation focused on the support Trump’s economic policies have received from working-class Americans. She emphasized that while Washington elites and Wall Street analysts expressed doubts, ordinary Americans understood the long-term vision behind the tariff strategy. This populist approach to trade policy has become a cornerstone of Trump’s economic platform, distinguishing his administration from traditional Republican free-market approaches and Democratic trade policies alike.
Conway directly confronted comparisons between the Trump and Biden economic approaches, pointing out that inflation has been persistent throughout the Biden-Harris administration despite their different stance on tariffs. This observation challenges the narrative that Trump’s tariff policies would necessarily lead to higher consumer prices. Instead, Conway suggested that the tariffs have strengthened America’s bargaining position while bringing manufacturing jobs back to American soil.

Broader Foreign Policy Context

The discussion of tariffs took place against the backdrop of Trump’s ongoing diplomatic mission in the Middle East, where he is working to secure economic agreements and strengthen ties with Gulf allies. Conway noted that these international efforts demonstrate the administration’s comprehensive approach to American economic interests abroad. The administration views trade policy as an integral part of national security, using economic leverage to advance American interests globally.

Conway also briefly addressed the administration’s immigration policies, highlighting reduced illegal border crossings under Trump’s leadership. She criticized Democratic opponents for continuing to attack Trump on immigration issues despite what the administration considers demonstrable success in border security measures. The Daily Caller event, consistent with the publication’s mission of championing American values through investigative journalism, provided a platform for this substantive policy discussion away from mainstream media outlets.