In the midst of a variety of messages from top white building officials, President Donald Trump was asked directly on Monday whether the sweeping tariff could be negotiated or here to stay.
“They both can be right,” Trump answered. “Maybe there is a permanent rate and there may also be negotiations because there are things we need outside the tariff.”
For days, from Trump Down, administrative officials have offered conflicting statements about whether countries can do anything to save themselves from tariffs, which includes 10% universal tariffs that are applied during the weekend and what they claim to be more targeted for “reciprocal” targets to start on Wednesday.
On Monday, Minister of Finance Scott Besent shared he was assigned to negotiate with Japan while the trading advisor to the White House Peter Navarro Writing editorial That the new policy is “not negotiation.”
Bessent posted on social media that participating in “very constructive telephone discussions” with Japanese officials, Trump instructed it and US trade representative Jamieson Greer for “Open Negotiations to implement the President’s vision for the new golden age of global trade.”
Navarro wrote in the Financial Times that Trump will not resign from the “reciprocal” tariff in countries that are considered the worst violators in trade relations.
“This is about justice, and no one can argue with it. This is not a negotiation,” Navarro wrote. “For the US, this is a national emergency triggered by a trade deficit caused by a system that is cheated. President Trump is always willing to listen. But for world leaders who, after decades of fraud, suddenly offer lower rates – know this: that’s just the beginning.”
When Trump announced a large tariff at the Rose Garden White House, he confirmed them in response to “national emergency” caused by a trade deficit and unfair practice with global partners.
President Donald Trump took questions from media members during the meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House Oval Office, April 7, 2025 in Washington.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Image
Since then, the market at home and abroad has declined. Foreign leaders retreated, with several – like China – took the action of retaliation against the United States. Economists increase their chances of recession this year.
Officials are pressured to justify action on the Sunday morning news program, where else the confused message is clear. Trump spent the weekend playing golf when the impact of the tariff policy continued.
Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick, in the CBS News program “faces the nation,” said the tariff will “remain in place for days and weeks” and that “this is the policy.”
Meanwhile, Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett, at ABC News’ “This week,” Bagging that 50 countries have reached the White House to negotiate tariffs.
Trump on Monday said they were open to “a fair agreement” with foreign leaders who prioritized “America” - but the tariff would remain in place.
“We will get a fair offer and good offer with each country. And if we don’t, we will not have anything to do with them. They will not be allowed to participate in the United States,” he said.
ABC News White House Correspondent Mary Bruce asked Trump on Monday whether he would be open to pauses in tariffs to enable negotiations.
“Well, we don’t see that,” Trump answered. “We have a lot, many, countries that come to negotiate agreements with us, and they will be a fair offer. And in certain cases, they will pay a substantial tariff.”
A rumor of the possibility of a 90 -day tariff break circulating on Monday caused stock in a short stock to the green area before returning to red when the White House denied the report.
Trump said in the oval office that he did not “objected to him,” it seems to nod the market criticism and volatility because he believes it is commensurate at the end of the day.
“So, it must be very interesting,” he said. “This is the only opportunity that our country must rearrange because there are no other presidents who want to do what I do or even pass it. Now, I don’t mind passing it because I see a beautiful picture at the end.”
ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.