Colbert: China, If You Want a Trade War, ‘the Gloves Are Off — Because You Make the Gloves and We Can’t Afford Them Anymore’

EXCERPT:

COLBERT: "'Cause that’s how medicine works. You take it, and everyone dies. All dead.' Far from pausing the tariffs, this morning, Trump tripled down, threatening an extra 50% tariff on China, which will raise the price of everything we get from China, which, I believe, is everything. Trump did that because on Friday, China retaliated against Trump’s liberation day tariffs by slapping a 34% tariff on U.S. goods. China, if you want a trade war, a trade war is what you’ll get. The gloves are off... because you make the gloves, and we can’t afford them anymore. Okay? That’s how you box, right? Trump responded to China by posting, 'If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8, 2025, the United States will impose additional tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.' Then he ended, 'Thank you for your attention to this matter!' To this matter?! That’s an odd way to end a threat. It’s like getting a letter from kidnappers: 'Give us $50,000 in unmarked bills or you’ll never see your husband again. Have a great weekend!!!' Stay sweet."