U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that his administration is not backing down from its aggressive trade policy, firmly rejecting reports suggesting a pause on new tariffs. As trade tensions continue to mount, Trump’s comments come at a critical moment for both U.S. markets and global diplomacy.
Trump: “We’re Not Looking at That”
During a high-profile Oval Office meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump was asked directly about reports claiming the White House was considering a 90-day pause on the imposition of new tariffs to allow for further negotiations.
“We’re not looking at that,” Trump told reporters bluntly. “We have many, many countries that are coming to negotiate deals with us, and there are going to be fair deals.”
Trump dismissed the idea of easing pressure on trade partners, calling earlier reports of a proposed pause “fake news.” The strong denial underscores the administration’s commitment to using tariffs as a central tool in reshaping the United States’ global trade relationships.
Renewed Threats on China
Trump also renewed his warning to China, stating that if Beijing does not retreat from its retaliatory tariff plans by Tuesday, his administration is prepared to escalate tensions by imposing an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports.
“We’re doing what we have to do. They took advantage of us for far too long,” Trump said. “We’ve been losing for years. Now it’s our turn to come out unbelievably well.”
The president framed the standoff as an opportunity to reopen shuttered factories in America and to reassert the country’s industrial strength, especially in manufacturing-heavy states that have seen economic declines over recent decades.
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“Taking Care of Our Friends”
A recurring theme in Trump’s remarks was a distinction between allies and adversaries. He emphasized that the administration’s strategy is focused on fairness and loyalty, noting, “We’re not taking care of our enemies anymore, but we do take care of our friends.”
The president said the U.S. is making “tremendous progress” with several countries on trade deals and that those who previously “took advantage” of the U.S. are now actively seeking negotiation. “This is the only chance they have to reset trade,” he added.
Wall Street Volatile Amid Uncertainty
The president’s firm stance came as U.S. financial markets closed a volatile trading day. The major indexes, which had opened lower, ended the session with mixed results. By 4:00 PM local time in New York:
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 91%
- The S&P 500 dropped 23%, marking its third consecutive day of losses
- The Nasdaq Composite bucked the trend and closed slightly up 10%
Analysts attribute the market swings to growing investor anxiety over the direction of trade talks and the broader economic implications of continued tariff escalation.
“Markets hate uncertainty, and that’s exactly what they’re getting right now,” said Rebecca Lin, Senior Market Strategist at Horizon Analytics. “On one hand, there’s hope that pressure from the U.S. could lead to revised deals. On the other, there’s the very real threat of retaliatory action, which could spiral into a full-scale trade war.”
Business Leaders Urge Caution
Trump’s no-compromise tone has raised concerns among business leaders, particularly those in industries that rely heavily on international supply chains. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has repeatedly warned that increasing tariffs could hurt domestic companies and consumers alike.
“There’s a fine line between tough negotiations and economic self-harm,” said Neil Carter, spokesperson for the National Association of Manufacturers. “We support fair trade, but we also need to protect the competitiveness of American companies.”
Still, the administration appears confident that short-term pain could yield long-term gain. Officials believe the threat of tariffs is driving nations to the negotiating table and could lead to a more balanced global trade system.
Global Reaction Mixed
International responses to the White House’s stance have been mixed. While some allies have signaled willingness to cooperate, others have expressed frustration over the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy.
Beijing has yet to respond officially to Trump’s latest tariff threats but had earlier indicated it would retaliate in kind to any new U.S. duties. European officials, meanwhile, have called for “restraint and dialogue,” urging both Washington and Beijing to avoid actions that could disrupt global commerce.
The Road Ahead
As Tuesday’s deadline for China looms, all eyes are on whether the Trump administration will follow through on its tariff threats—and how Beijing will respond. Markets, investors, and trade partners are bracing for what could be a decisive moment in the ongoing economic standoff.
With President Trump showing no signs of softening his stance, the global trading system remains on edge.
