After weeks of escalating trade tensions, Trump is trying now to go for something a little more… fair.
From the top of Air Force One on Sunday, Trump told reporters that the U.S. is actively engaging in trade talks with several countries, China being one of them. While no phone call with President Xi Jinping is scheduled for this week, there are some conversations going on, with the president explaining, “U.S. officials are speaking with Chinese officials about a variety of different things.”
His priority? “A fair trade deal.”
A deal coming this week?
Maybe. When asked whether any trade deals might be announced in the days ahead, Trump answered with a vague but optimistic “very well could be.” As always, details remain scarce — but that didn’t stop markets from speculating.
Trump’s remarks follow a flurry of meetings between his top trade officials and foreign counterparts. The administration has been busy navigating global backlash since his April 2 declaration of sweeping new tariffs — a moment Trump dubbed “Liberation Day.”
Those tariffs included:
- A 10% base tariff for most countries,
- Steep 25% duties on autos, steel, and aluminum,
- 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, and
- Temporary 90-day suspensions for some nations, set to expire July 8.
Tough talk, but softer tone?
While the tough stance on China continues — Trump again accused Beijing of “ripping us for many years” — he also struck a more conciliatory tone in a pre-recorded NBC News interview aired Sunday.
“We’ve gone cold turkey,” Trump said, referencing the freeze in U.S.-China trade. “That means we’re not losing a trillion dollars because we’re not doing business with them right now.”
Still, he hinted that change may be on the horizon:
“They want to make a deal. They want to make a deal very badly.”
Whether that deal happens — and whether it’s “fair” enough for Trump — remains to be seen.
Why it matters
Markets have been rattled by Trump’s tariff campaign, which some economists warn could trigger a recession if tensions continue. At the same time, a pivot toward negotiation — even without concrete agreements — has lifted investor optimism and fueled hopes that the worst of the trade war may have passed.
For now, we’re watching, waiting, and hoping the next Air Force One soundbite includes something firmer than “maybe.”
