White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a passionate defense of President Donald Trump’s decisive tariffs on China, cleverly turning former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s past rhetoric back against her. In a powerful briefing, Leavitt underscored Trump’s courage to finally act on a call Pelosi herself made nearly three decades ago—something the veteran Democrat seems unwilling to acknowledge today.

During her energetic speech, Leavitt highlighted the bipartisan consensus that once existed against unfair trade practices, criticizing Pelosi and other Democrats for their reluctance to support President Trump simply because of political differences.

“Democrats have consistently admitted that America has been exploited economically by countries around the world,” Leavitt declared, standing firm in her conviction. “But now that President Trump is the one courageously addressing this imbalance, suddenly they fall silent.”

Leavitt specifically targeted Pelosi, resurrecting a powerful quote from a 1996 speech the former House Speaker made criticizing America’s trade deficit with China. “Nancy Pelosi once asked, ‘How far does China have to go? How big a trade deficit must we endure? How many American jobs must be sacrificed before we act?’ Those were her words,” Leavitt emphasized passionately.

“Today, President Trump is boldly answering Pelosi’s decades-old plea. He’s taking decisive action that Pelosi herself once demanded but now conveniently forgets to acknowledge,” Leavitt argued compellingly. “Nancy Pelosi should be thanking President Trump for finally standing up against China’s exploitation.”

Leavitt’s statements come as President Trump’s assertive trade policy ramps up economic pressure on China. Trump’s recent tariffs—which now total a formidable 104%—are part of a broader initiative aimed at rebalancing America’s economic relationships and protecting U.S. jobs from unfair global competition.

While critics argue these tariffs risk global market stability, Leavitt remained unwavering. She praised Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, underscoring their necessity in safeguarding American workers and industries from continued economic harm.

“For years, politicians like Pelosi talked tough but took no meaningful action. Now President Trump has stepped forward and turned bold words into real policies,” Leavitt declared proudly. “It’s time Democrats recognize the strength and leadership he’s demonstrating, rather than blindly opposing him for political convenience.”

By leveraging Pelosi’s historical stance, Leavitt highlighted the glaring hypocrisy within Democratic ranks, emphasizing how politics have overshadowed genuine concern for America’s economic interests.

“Today marks a turning point,” she concluded, passionately rallying support for Trump’s tariffs. “This administration isn’t afraid to do what’s right, even when it’s unpopular with political elites. American workers deserve no less.”

Leavitt’s forceful use of Pelosi’s past words to reinforce Trump’s actions not only bolstered the administration’s trade policy stance but sharply spotlighted the inconsistencies within Pelosi and Democratic leadership, leaving the opposition clearly on the defensive.