President Donald Trump’s aggressive new trade plan has triggered chaos worldwide. Over 50 countries are already reaching out to avoid the economic fallout.
Top officials confirmed Sunday that nations are lining up to negotiate. The move comes just days before steep U.S. tariffs kick in on Wednesday.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. won’t rush the talks. “This isn’t something we fix in days or weeks,” he told NBC. “We need to see if these countries are serious.”
Trump Stays Defiant on the Golf Course
While markets tanked and global leaders panicked, Trump spent the weekend golfing in Florida.
From Mar-a-Lago, he posted a message to his followers: “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy.”
His team hit the airwaves, defending the sweeping tariffs and dismissing talk of recession.
“There doesn’t have to be a recession,” Bessent insisted. “The focus is on long-term prosperity.”
A Promise Kept, A Market Shaken
Trump’s tariff blitz, launched on April 2, fulfilled a major campaign vow. Acting without Congress, he reshaped the global trade map.
Supporters call it a necessary reset. Critics warn it could push the U.S. into a recession.
Wall Street responded swiftly. The Dow dropped over 2,300 points last week. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also took deep dives.
Countries Race to Avoid Economic Pain
The White House says more than 50 countries want to talk. That list includes allies and adversaries alike.
China has already retaliated. Israel faces a 17% tariff. Even Vietnam—one of the most trade-friendly nations—is scrambling to avoid penalties.
Trump said Vietnam’s leader offered to slash tariffs to zero if a deal is made.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concern but said her country is open to talks.
“We’ll use every tool necessary to protect our industries,” she said.
White House: Tariffs Are Coming No Matter What
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made the timeline crystal clear.
“The tariffs are coming. Of course they are,” he said on CBS. “This is about resetting global trade.”
He hinted they would remain “for days and weeks,” possibly longer.
Trump officials are using the tariffs to push for new trade deals. But they aren’t backing down from the immediate pressure.
Congress Eyes Checks on Executive Tariff Powers
Not everyone in Washington is thrilled.
Some Republicans are now pushing for new limits on presidential tariff powers.
A bipartisan bill would require Congress to approve new tariffs within 60 days. Otherwise, they expire.
Rep. Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, plans to introduce the House version.
“In hindsight, giving up that power was a mistake,” he said.
Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said Trump is within his rights, but concern is growing.
“People are watching the markets,” Barrasso admitted. “There’ll be a discussion in the Senate.”
Musk Breaks with Trump on Trade War
Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, weighed in on the tariffs—sort of.
Speaking in Italy, Musk said he’d prefer “a zero-tariff situation” between the U.S. and Europe.
That drew sharp words from White House trade adviser Peter Navarro.
“Elon sells cars. Of course he wants zero tariffs,” Navarro said on Fox News. “He’s protecting his business, plain and simple.”
Mixed Signals Leave Economists Scratching Heads
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers slammed the Trump team’s mixed messages.
“You can’t have it both ways,” he told ABC. “Either it’s a revenue tool or a way to relocate jobs. But you can’t claim both.”
Summers said that if the goal is permanent revenue and U.S. job creation, then the tariffs will stay forever.
If not, they’re just another bargaining chip in a chaotic trade war.
What’s Next for Trump Trade Deals?
With the clock ticking, countries are racing to secure exemptions with specific Trump trade deals. But officials say only serious offers will matter.
Markets remain volatile. Supply chains are shifting. And pressure is mounting from all sides.
Even Trump’s own party is split. Some back the tariffs. Others fear economic disaster if this gamble fails.
As of now, Trump isn’t blinking.
And with his campaign slogan—“Make America Wealthy Again”—on the line, the world waits to see who bends first.
