Just Eight Hours In: Trump Ups the Ante with More Sanctions, Hints China Could Be Next
WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 7, 2025: President Trump is really putting the screws to India, threatening secondary sanctions just hours after slapping another 25% tariff on their goods, bringing the total to 50%. At a White House briefing, he even suggested China might be next, saying it’s all to pressure Russia to stop the war in Ukraine.
What’s the Deal with These Sanctions?
A reporter asked Trump why he was picking on India with these tariffs and sanctions when China is also buying Russian oil. Trump’s answer was pretty harsh:
It’s only been eight hours. So, we’ll see, Trump said. You’re going to see a lot more. You’re going to see so many secondary sanctions.
Basically, instead of just tariffs, he’s talking about really messing with any companies or people who do business with Russia. This could be a huge deal, potentially cutting off Indian businesses from the U.S. and the rest of the world’s financial system.
Is China Next on the List?
Trump didn’t stop with India. He also talked about hitting China, which buys more Russian oil than anyone else.
When asked about China, Trump said, Could happen. Depends on how we do. Could happen. Later, he told reporters, We did it with India. We are probably doing it with a couple of others; one of them could be China.
This is tricky because China trades way more with the U.S. than India does, so they have more power in this situation. Still, this could really shake things up in global trade.
How’s India Reacting?
India’s government is not happy. Their foreign affairs ministry said the new tariffs are “unfair and unjustified.” They keep saying they buy Russian oil because they need to keep the lights on for their 1.4 billion people.
A report from the Times of India said that if India has to stop buying Russian oil, it could cost them an extra $9-11 billion a year. That’s a lot of money.
These potential secondary sanctions are a big deal. Indian companies could have trouble accessing global markets, and banks and shipping companies could get in trouble. All this is happening right before Prime Minister Modi is supposed to visit China for the first time in years, which some people think is India showing they won’t be pushed around by the U.S.
What’s Going to Happen?
The new tariff on India is supposed to kick in on August 27, 2025. That gives them a few weeks to try and work things out. But based on what Trump’s been saying, it doesn’t sound like he’s backing down.
Everyone’s watching to see if things calm down or if this turns into a big, messy trade war.
