US President Donald Trump has issued a legal threat against The Wall Street Journal after the publication criticised his tariff policy, calling it detrimental to the American economy and automotive sector.
The warning follows an editorial by The Wall Street Journal that condemned Trump's tariff strategy, arguing that it would negatively impact auto industry workers and weaken Republican influence in Michigan, reports The Guardian.
The article suggested that if Trump proceeded with a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports, car prices in the US would rise, disadvantaging local workers while benefiting European and Asian manufacturers.
"If the goal is to harm American auto workers and create political challenges for Republicans in Michigan, then by all means, go ahead with this plan, President Trump," the editorial stated.
In response, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to denounce the publication, asserting that The Wall Street Journal had made a "big mistake."
He insisted that his tariff policy would drive significant auto production back to Michigan, a state he claimed to have won with ease in the presidential election.
Trump's hostility towards the media extended beyond the tariff debate. Expressing frustration over what he termed "fake books and stories" published based on anonymous sources, he suggested he might pursue legal action against those disseminating what he called falsehoods.
"I will sue these dishonest writers, publishers, and media outlets. These are baseless, defamatory fabrications, and there will be a heavy price to pay. I will do this in the national interest. Who knows, perhaps it will lead to new legislation," he declared.
