Rubio Champions Trade Reset, Praises Trump’s Bold Tariff Strategy

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, delivered some fiery remarks at NATO headquarters in Brussels, asserting that America needs to "reset the global order of trade." And if you think the Trump administration’s tariff-heavy approach is controversial, Rubio isn’t flinching—he’s firmly behind it, calling Trump "absolutely right" to take action.

Rubio was quick to challenge a reporter’s suggestion that global economies are "crashing" due to Trump’s tariffs, which have been dubbed "Liberation Day" tariffs. Instead, he painted a picture of America as a nation stuck exporting services while importing goods—a scenario he clearly views as unsustainable. "We need to get back to a time where we are a country that can make things," he declared, emphasizing that resetting the trade system is essential for American jobs and manufacturing.

Backing Trump’s stance, Rubio argued that the current global trade setup benefits other countries while leaving America shortchanged. "The president rightly has concluded that the current status of global trade is bad for America and good for a bunch of other people," he said, adding, "And he's going to reset it, and he's absolutely right to do it." Bold words, but they’re sure to stir up debates in global trade circles.

Rubio didn’t hold back on his criticism of China either, calling its trade practices "outrageous." He accused the country of flooding markets while maintaining barriers and tariffs, creating a distorted playing field. "China doesn’t consume anything," Rubio remarked. "All they do is export and distort markets." Strong words for a trading partner that holds significant sway in the global economy.

Addressing concerns over market instability, Rubio tried to calm the storm, explaining that businesses and investors simply need clarity on trade rules. "Once they know what the rules are, they will adjust," he said. While admitting that markets are reacting to changes in production costs, he dismissed the notion that economies are crashing. Instead, he framed the turbulence as a necessary adjustment to fix trade practices that have disadvantaged the U.S. for years.

Rubio’s remarks reflect a growing assertion among American policymakers that the status quo in global trade is no longer tenable. Whether this trade reset will yield the desired results—or send more shockwaves through the global economy—remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: Rubio is ready for the fight.