Summary
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended Trump’s sweeping tariffs on over 180 countries during a Fox News interview, bizarrely claiming Europe rejects U.S. beef because “our beef is beautiful and theirs is weak.”
Critics quickly pointed out that EU restrictions on hormone- and antibiotic-treated meat drive the policy.
Lutnick falsely claimed the U.S. “can’t sell rice to Asia,” despite USDA data showing strong exports to parts of the region.
As economists warn of rising consumer costs, Lutnick’s remarks drew widespread mockery on social media.
I didn’t hear the tone he used, but I think “the US can’t sell rice to Asia” is intentionally racist hyperbole. Like selling a ketchup Popsicle to a woman in white gloves. Except, ya know, racist (or at least xenophobic), instead of sexist.