Stated on May 8, 2025 in an event in the White House:

Declining cargo traffic at U.S. ports “means we lose less money. … When you say it's slowed down, that's a good thing.”

Trump said declining cargo traffic at ports "means we lose less money. … When you say it's slowed down, that's a good thing."

Economists say a cargo slowdown at U.S. ports would result in job losses for people employed at ports, in transportation and at warehouses. Those employees’ economic losses will radiate outward into the economy, harming consumer spending and prompting layoffs in other sectors. Consumer goods shortages could result as well.

Trump’s assertion that spending less on imports means the U.S. loses less money also draws skepticism from economists. They say trade enables affordable consumer products, and that consumers will pay higher prices — and potentially buy less — if foreign imports are slashed, which would have spiraling effects through the economy.



False.