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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended the sweeping tariffs imposed by his administration, framing them as a “necessary measure” to protect “American economic interests”.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump described tariffs as a “defense mechanism” against countries that have historically leveraged trade policies to disadvantage the US.

Trump highlighted the levies on Brazil, imposed in response to what he called “unprecedented efforts to interfere” with American rights. Despite the tough rhetoric, he revealed that he recently crossed paths with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the UN hall.

“We actually agreed that we would meet next week,” Trump said, adding that the encounter includ

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