President Donald Trump stated on the 4th that trade negotiations are ongoing with nearly every country, including China. Speaking to reporters aboard his private plane while returning from Palm Beach, Florida to Washington, D.C., Trump emphasized, “We are negotiating with almost every country, including China,” and added, “I will ultimately decide on a deal.”
When asked whether he planned to call Chinese President Xi Jinping amid an unresolved tariff war, Trump responded, “No.” He added, “But the Chinese and our people are discussing other issues.” The president expressed frustration over repeated questions about the timeline of a trade deal, saying, “You keep asking the same question, ‘When are you going to make a deal?’ That’s up to me, not them.”
Trump also stated that the U.S. is currently not doing business with China due to the high tariffs imposed, claiming that “we’re saving billions of dollars because of that.” He reiterated his desire for a fair agreement, saying, “I want to make a fair deal with China. But they’ve been ripping us off for a long time. So, we may have to consider some retaliatory measures.”
He hinted at upcoming developments, stating, “In two or three weeks, we’re going to have a deal. I’m going to say that a certain country has a huge trade surplus with us,” and emphasized, “I’m not going to be taken advantage of. So, at some point, we’re going to set a specific tariff rate.”
Separately, on the topic of White House personnel changes, Trump addressed his recent decision involving Mike Waltz, the former National Security Advisor. Despite firing Waltz, Trump remarked, “I have not lost confidence in him. He was fine, and he will do well in his current position.” Trump described Waltz’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations as a promotion, stating, “If I had a choice, I would have wanted that position (U.N. ambassador).”
As for Waltz’s replacement, a role currently being held concurrently by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump noted, “There are many people who want that position. Many people say Rubio is a good fit for what he is doing, but I will nominate someone,” adding that he would decide within six months.
Trump also revealed that he is seriously considering Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, for the national security advisor role. “I think he is already indirectly holding that position,” he said.