The Trump admin has some major decisions to make. What happens next will change everything.
And Sean Hannity went wide-eyed when a close Trump ally dropped this confession on his show.
17 Nations Rush to Negotiate Deals as Tariffs Reshape Global Markets
President Donald Trump’s economic vision is reshaping international trade, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealing on Fox News’ Hannity that 17 key trading partners have eagerly approached the administration to negotiate deals. This surge of interest, announced just a day after Trump’s remarkable first 100 days in office, signals a global acknowledgment of the president’s strategic leverage. By wielding the threat of sweeping tariffs, Trump has brought nations to the table, ready to forge agreements that prioritize American interests.
On April 2, Trump unveiled his ambitious tariff plan, setting a baseline of 10% on imports while tailoring rates to match what other countries impose on U.S. goods. The move sent shockwaves through global markets, prompting swift responses. By April 9, the president announced a 90-day pause on these tariffs for all nations except China, which retaliated with its own measures. This calculated pause has proven to be a masterstroke, as Bessent explained to host Sean Hannity, noting that the looming possibility of reinstated tariffs has driven 17 trading partners to seek negotiations.
“Yeah, Sean, what I believe, and you can see it, the president had this incredible first 100 days. Just look at the success of the border. Now we closed the first 100 days with this deal where President Trump is one of the first presidents to create assets rather than debt for the American people,” Bessent said. His words capture the administration’s focus on tangible gains, contrasting sharply with past policies that burdened the nation with mounting deficits. The tariff strategy, paired with border security achievements, showcases Trump’s ability to deliver results that resonate with American workers and businesses.
Bessent elaborated on the trade negotiations, emphasizing Trump’s knack for creating “maximum optionality, maximum pressure” for trading partners. “By showing the high level of tariffs from April 2 that are possible, they’ve all come to the table to negotiate,” he added. “So we’ve got 18 important trading partners. We put China to the side. Seventeen have not escalated. We are in negotiations with them. There’s a process in place.” This disciplined approach, sidelining China’s retaliatory tactics while engaging others, demonstrates the administration’s strategic clarity in prioritizing deals that strengthen the U.S. economy.
The Senate’s vote on Wednesday to back Trump’s tariff framework further solidifies his economic agenda. This Republican-led support affirms the president’s vision of reciprocal trade, where nations are held accountable for unfair practices. The pause on tariffs, excluding China, has not only spurred negotiations but also revealed the administration’s flexibility.
As Bessent clarified when Hannity pressed for details, “All 17 have approached us. We are batching them in groups at a time. But we’ve had 100 approach us, and we are working with the top 17 to try to move them along as quickly as possible.” The urgency from these nations, driven by the specter of April 2 tariff levels, highlights Trump’s negotiating prowess.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added fuel to the optimism during a Monday briefing, revealing that the U.S. has received “18 proposals on paper” from foreign countries eager to negotiate. This flurry of activity suggests that Trump’s tariff strategy is not merely a threat but a catalyst for meaningful dialogue. The administration’s measured release of details keeps the focus on results rather than premature announcements, a disciplined approach that contrasts with the chaotic trade policies of previous administrations.
Trump’s handling of China, in particular, showcases his resolve. On April 22, he hinted that the 145% tariff against China would “come down substantially” but remain in place, signaling a tough stance against Beijing’s economic aggression. This nuanced approach—easing pressure on cooperative nations while maintaining leverage over adversaries—positions the U.S. as a formidable player in global trade. Bessent’s assurance that the 17 negotiating partners are bringing “very good proposals” suggests that Trump’s strategy is yielding deals that will bolster American industries and workers.
The rush of 17 nations to the negotiating table, coupled with the Senate’s endorsement, points to a future where American economic interests take center stage. Trump’s first 100 days have laid a foundation for prosperity, and his trade policies are poised to deliver lasting benefits for the nation, proving that his leadership is not just reshaping markets but restoring America’s economic dominance.
Good Morning !
The second exceptionally strong single overnight job approval in a row (last night was 55.62) returns President Trump to 50% overall approval in our 5-day rolling average this morning.
And a first tariff deal announcement is rumored … pic.twitter.com/jAmOaa3Vxl
— Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) May 1, 2025
The Conservative Column will update you on any further economic news and reports from the Trump administration.
