President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that his aggressive tariff policy helped bring an end to eight international conflicts within his first ten months in office. Speaking during a prime-time address outlining his 2026 agenda, Trump said the use of tariffs restored American influence globally, even as domestic surveys point to economic challenges such as continued inflation. He argued that trade pressure, rather than military action, became a powerful diplomatic tool under his leadership.

Trump cited several global flashpoints, including tensions between India and Pakistan, clashes involving Armenia and Azerbaijan, disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt, conflict in the Rwanda–Congo region, and friction between Kosovo and Serbia. According to him, the threat or imposition of tariffs pushed these parties toward ceasefires without U.S. military involvement. He also claimed success in neutralizing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and securing peace in Gaza alongside hostage releases, describing it as an unprecedented period of stability in the Middle East. While critics have questioned the extent of U.S. involvement and the durability of these outcomes, Trump maintained that his approach delivered results unmatched by previous administrations.

Calling “tariff” his favorite word, Trump portrayed trade duties as high as 50 percent on countries such as India as a dual-purpose tool that generated billions in revenue while advancing peace. He asserted that even steeper tariff threats helped cool India–Pakistan tensions, blending economic pressure with diplomacy. However, these policies have drawn criticism for triggering global backlash and contributing to higher prices for American consumers, raising doubts about their long-term viability.

On the domestic front, Trump contrasted his record with what he described as economic mismanagement under President Biden, pointing to border policy changes and claiming improvements in housing availability. He suggested that revenue from tariffs could be redirected toward benefits for middle-class Americans, presenting his “America First” strategy as a framework that could reshape U.S. alliances and global engagement heading into 2026.