While it is true that Trump referred to Mattel as a country, he quickly said "his toys" — referring to Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz — would have to bear 100% duties, indicating he understood Mattel made toys.

In a drastic escalation of his doll-rationing proposal, Trump threatened the Barbie maker with tariffs so high it “won’t sell one toy” in the U.S.

President Donald Trump took aim at the “country” of Mattel, the manufacturer of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels. Earlier this week, the company indicated that it would bump up prices because of the president’s 145 percent tariff on most Chinese exports.