A new book on Donald Trump's presidency claims the US President had a heated exchange with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over tariff figures related to India.
According to “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump”, written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, Trump believed that India imposed much higher tariffs on American goods than the figures presented by US officials.
The book says Trump repeatedly sought detailed information on tariffs imposed by countries such as India and China.
"Nobody has f***ing given me any numbers. Hard facts of how much China tariffs us, how much India tariffs us. You give me bullshit numbers," Trump was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
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Trump rejects official data
The book states that Lutnick presented tariff figures compiled by the Office of the United States Trade Representative. However, Trump reportedly dismissed the numbers and accused his own administration of providing incorrect information.
“No, these are bullshit numbers,” repeated Trump, calling government data “f***ing bullshit," despite Lutnick's efforts to explain the figures.
According to the authors quoted by HT, Trump believed that India's tariffs on US goods were at least 175 per cent.
Several US officials have also criticised India's tariff structure in recent years. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had reportedly referred to India as the “maharaja of tariffs”.
Tariff dispute and trade tensions
The disagreement reportedly took place before Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff exercise, during which India was subjected to higher US tariffs, reported HT.
In August 2025, Trump announced additional tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, increasing the total tariff burden to 50 per cent.
The move added pressure to trade ties between Washington and New Delhi and affected ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
Trade deal brings relief
Relations later improved after India and the United States announced a framework for a bilateral trade agreement in February 2026.
According to the White House, India agreed to lower tariffs on several American products.
"President Trump agreed to remove the additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, the President signed an Executive Order last Friday removing that additional 25% tariff," the White House fact sheet said.
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Officials from both countries continue discussions on the final implementation of the trade agreement.
FAQs:
Which book revealed Trump's remarks on India tariffs?
The claims appear in Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump.
What did Trump reportedly say about the tariff figures?
He reportedly dismissed the numbers and said officials were giving him "bullshit numbers."
