During a recent exchange at the White House, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy pressed Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for clarity on the status of President Donald Trump's trade proposals.
The inquiry centered on the perceived delay in revealing details about these trade initiatives, which have been a focal point of the administration's economic strategy.
Leavitt addressed these concerns in a Tuesday briefing, clarifying that the administration has received "18 proposals on paper" from foreign nations eager to negotiate tariffs. She emphasized that over 200 countries have expressed interest in forging trade agreements with the United States. According to the Daily Caller, Leavitt assured Doocy that there is "no hold up" in the process, and the President is expected to provide an update on the nation's trade deals later in the week.
Doocy's question highlighted the public's curiosity: You guys have at least 18 written trade proposals. We still dont know who they are from or what they contain. What is the hold up with that? In response, Leavitt reiterated, There is no hold up. Were working around the clock. The trade team is working all day, I was on the phone last night with [Commerce] Secretary [Howard] Lutnick. I was on the phone this weekend as well with [Treasury] Secretary [Scott] Bessent. I mean, the entire team is working 24/7 to get these trade deals done and I think youll be hearing more about them this week. I dont want to get ahead of the president in announcing potential deals, but certainly, I can assure the American public that this administration is full speed ahead in cutting good and fair trade deal on behalf of the American worker.
In a strategic move on April 9, President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs on all nations except China, aiming to create a conducive environment for trade negotiations. Talks with South Korea are reportedly advancing at a pace that exceeded expectations, as noted by both Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
On April 22, President Trump declared his intention to "substantially" reduce the high tariffs imposed on China, although Chinese officials have contested claims of ongoing negotiation talks with the U.S. Leavitt, in a Fox News appearance, emphasized that there would be no unilateral reduction in tariffs on China, insisting that any tariff reduction would require bilateral negotiations.
Bessent confirmed on April 22 that a "de-escalation" in the trade tensions with China is anticipated. This development follows the initial tariff announcement by Trump on April 2, which led to a trade conflict with China. The retaliatory measures by China resulted in tariffs as steep as 245%, according to a White House statement on April 15.
The administration's approach to trade underscores a commitment to securing advantageous deals for American workers, while navigating complex international negotiations. As the President prepares to update the nation, the focus remains on achieving equitable trade agreements that bolster the U.S. economy.
Login