In a charged presidential debate hosted by ABC News on Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris clashed over trade tariffs, economic strategies, and China policy.
Trump defended his recent proposals to escalate trade tariffs on China, including blanket tariffs of 10% to 20% and additional tariffs ranging from 60% to 100%. “Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that we’ve done for the world, and the tariff will be substantial,” Trump asserted. He claimed that his administration had secured “billions and billions of dollars” from China and argued that the Biden-Harris administration maintained these tariffs due to their financial benefits, stating, “They never took the tariff off, because it was so much money.”
Trump dismissed concerns that his tariff policies might lead to higher consumer prices, asserting, “What’s going to happen and who’s going to have higher prices is China and all of the countries that have been ripping us off for years.”
Harris, however, criticised Trump’s approach, accusing him of having “sold us out on China.” She argued that Trump’s administration was ineffective and stressed the need for a policy focused on future technological advancements. “Under Donald Trump’s presidency, he ended up selling American chips to China to help them improve and modernise their military,” Harris said, referencing current efforts to restrict semiconductor sales to adversaries. She advocated for a policy centered on “winning the competition for the 21st century,” emphasizing the importance of investing in AI, quantum computing, and strengthening alliances.
The debate also touched on other significant issues. Harris proposed a substantial tax cut for the middle class and criticised Trump’s trade policies, suggesting they would lead to increased inflation. Trump defended his economic record and reiterated his support for higher trade tariffs, claiming they would benefit both the economy and the country’s international standing.
On reproductive rights, Harris pledged to reinstate protections under Roe v. Wade, while Trump defended the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ruling but stated he would not impose a national abortion ban. In terms of foreign policy, Harris called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and noted that too many Palestinian civilians had been killed. Trump argued that the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine conflicts would not have occurred under his administration.
In her closing statements, Harris outlined her vision for a “new way forward,” focusing on small business support, military enhancements, and protecting fundamental rights. Trump criticised Harris’s plans and the Biden administration, labeling them as the worst in U.S. history.
The debate provided a stark contrast between Trump’s assertive trade policies and Harris’s emphasis on technological advancement and global competition. With the possibility of a second debate still uncertain, attention will now turn to the upcoming vice-presidential debate between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance scheduled for early October.
