That's not what was said. The line of comments was "free markets are not under attack" followed by "From this perspective, they are." There was no judgement passed. I don't find your response curious or otherwise insightful.
US on average has higher tariffs than the EU, which the USA wants to apply even higher tariffs on
David Attenborough voice:
And here we see the modern conservative in his natural habitat. Notice that when any idea challenges his world view he will instinctually react with a defense mechanism known as the whataboutism.