White House says Trump’s advice to limit number of dolls intended to urge consumers to buy American

The White House on Thursday pushed back on the idea that President Trump made an out-of-touch remark when he suggested to supporters in Pennsylvania that children do not need numerous dolls to play with.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that people in Pennsylvania know very well that Mr. Trump is a wealthy businessman “who understands the economy and knows how to fix it.”

“What the president is saying is that if we want products made right here in America, if we want them to be made from American small businesses, which is a large part of the reason the president has effectively implemented tariffs, then we’re going to have better quality products right here at the United States,” she said.

She added, “Maybe you’ll pay $1 or $2 more, but you will get better quality, and you’ll be supporting your fellow Americans by buying American and that’s what the president was saying.”

Mr. Trump was criticized by his detractors for saying, “You don’t need 37 dolls for your daughter. Two or three is nice, but you don’t need 37 dolls.” He added, “So, we’re doing things right.”

Democrats jumped on Mr. Trump’s doll comments, calling him “greedy.”

“Trump wants your kids to ration pencils & dolls while he gets massive ballrooms, luxury jumbo jets, & taxpayer-funded golf trips. What a greedy grinch,” said Rep. James McGovern of Massachusetts on X.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois told reporters that the president’s suggestion to limit the number of doll purchases shows how he is “completely out of touch with the American people and how they’re struggling.”

Mr. Trump made a similar comment in April during a Cabinet meeting when he said his tariff policies and the trade war with China may result in fewer items available on store shelves, specifically at toy stores.