Outgoing Rep. Mark Sanford Mark SanfordOn The Money: Business world braces for blue sweep | Federal Reserve chief to outline plans for inflation, economy | Meadows 'not optimistic' about stalemate on coronavirus deal Trump critic Sanford forms anti-debt advocacy group Republicans officially renominate Trump for president MORE (R-S.C.) said Tuesday that President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE is "robbing the piggy bank" when it comes to his use of tariffs.

Sanford made the accusation on Twitter while quoting a previous tweet from Trump — one where Trump claimed tariffs "are the greatest" and that the U.S. has been a piggy bank being "robbed" by other nations.

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Trump first said that the U.S. was a "piggy bank" during the Group of Seven (G-7) earlier this year.

"The president is robbing the piggy bank here," Sanford said. "Tariffs are taxes; consequently, the administration is raising taxes. It's as simple as that."

Respectfully disagree. The president is robbing the piggy bank here. Tariffs are taxes; consequently, the administration is raising taxes. It's as simple as that. https://t.co/2rnDO7YHsn — Mark Sanford (@RepSanfordSC) July 24, 2018

Sanford's statement came on a day when Trump repeatedly defended his strategies regarding trade negotiations with other countries.

"This country is doing better than it's ever done before, economically," Trump said at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Kansas City, Mo., while discussing trade. "But it's all working out. Just remember: What you're seeing and what you're reading is not what's happening."

Trump added that the U.S. was now working on "fair" trade deals, instead of what he called "stupid" ones. He later claimed the European Union is a "big abuser" when it comes to issuing tariffs.

His strategy touting came as the U.S. and China engage in a tense back-and-forth on Trump's policies. Earlier this month, Trump announced a planned additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods.

In addition to China, Trump has drawn notable scrutiny for his actions after ordering steep steel and aluminum tariffs in May. Trade partners have vowed to respond to these moves from Trump, with Canada announcing retaliatory tariffs that targeted U.S. exports earlier this month.

Sanford has been a frequent critic of Trump's throughout his presidency. Trump endorsed Sanford's opponent hours before Sanford's GOP primary last month. Sanford was then defeated by state Rep. Katie Arrington.