President Donald Trump unveiled his new reciprocal tariff plan during a Thursday press conference in the Oval Office, clashing with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in a heated exchange while signing the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” into law.

The policy, which aims to match the tax rates that foreign nations impose on U.S. exports, marks a significant shift in American trade policy.

As Trump signed the executive bill, Collins attempted to ask a question about the economic effects of the tariffs.

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“Mr. President, you’ve won the White House in part because of high inflation. If your tariffs make prices go up—” Collins began.

Trump cut her off immediately, stating:

“Excuse me, we haven’t asked you to speak yet.”

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Turning back to the room, Trump explained his administration’s reasoning behind the reciprocal tariff policy.

“They charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge them the exact same,” Trump stated, before signing the legislation into law.

The reciprocal tariff framework is designed to combat trade imbalances by ensuring that foreign countries cannot impose higher tariffs on U.S. exports than the U.S. applies to their imports.

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Trump has long argued that previous administrations allowed nations like China and the European Union to take advantage of one-sided trade agreements that undermined American industries.

Earlier in the day, Trump teased the announcement on Truth Social, writing:

“THREE GREAT WEEKS, PERHAPS THE BEST EVER, BUT TODAY IS THE BIG ONE: RECIPROCAL TARIFFS!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

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During the press conference, Collins also pressed Trump about Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, asking whether Russian President Vladimir Putin could simply withdraw from the conflict.

Trump placed blame on President Joe Biden, stating:

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“This should have been done by Biden years ago. This should have never been allowed to happen.”

Turning his attention to Collins, Trump quipped:

“I know he’s a friend of yours. He’s a friend of CNN. That’s why nobody watches CNN anymore, because they have no credibility.”

Without further engaging with Collins, Trump moved on to another reporter, signaling that he was not interested in further debate.

Trump also reaffirmed his stance on Russia’s membership in the G7, arguing that their expulsion from the group was a mistake.

“I’d love to have them back. I think it was a mistake to throw them out,” Trump stated.

“Look, it’s not a question of liking Russia or not liking Russia. It was the G8, and I said, ‘What are you doing? You guys, all you talk about is Russia,’ and they should be sitting at the table.”

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In a major development, Trump announced Wednesday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to enter negotiations following what he described as a “highly productive” phone call with Vladimir Putin.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump revealed details of his direct conversation with Putin, stating:

“I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects.”

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Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed concerns about the ongoing Ukraine conflict, stating that the administration was exploring all possible solutions.

“Everything is on the table,” Hegseth said this week, suggesting that Trump’s diplomatic approach could mark a turning point in U.S. foreign policy strategy.

As the reciprocal tariff policy takes effect and negotiations on Russia-Ukraine tensions progress, Trump’s economic and foreign policy agenda continues to shape America’s stance on global trade and international relations.

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