Trump Team Gives Major Update

In a major win for President Donald Trump’s “America First” economic agenda, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed on Sunday that the administration’s sweeping new tariff policy has brought foreign nations scrambling to negotiate better trade deals with the United States.

Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Bessent said Trump’s aggressive action is already paying dividends.

“We’re seeing countries come forward with strong offers. They want to cut tariffs. They want to lower trade barriers. They know the old days of taking advantage of America are over,” Bessent stated.

The new tariff initiative—dubbed “Liberation Day” by the White House—took effect on April 2 and targeted a wide range of Chinese imports. It was designed to end decades of unfair trade practices and restore economic power to American workers, manufacturers, and retirees.

Foreign Leaders Feeling the Heat

Bessent noted that while many nations have responded positively, the administration remains laser-focused on 18 key trading partners. He added that regional trade pacts are also on the table, if they serve U.S. interests.

“President Trump is keeping the pressure on,” Bessent said. “If countries refuse to negotiate in good faith, tariffs will return to their full levels—no exceptions.”

That warning comes as Trump’s team granted a temporary pause on some of the new tariffs to encourage diplomatic progress. But Bessent made it clear: that pause won’t last forever.

Critics Complain—But the Strategy Works

Liberal economists and globalist media outlets have slammed the administration’s use of what they call “strategic uncertainty.” But Bessent pushed back, calling the approach a savvy negotiation tactic rooted in strength, not chaos.

“We didn’t get into this mess overnight. It took years of bad deals and weak leadership. President Trump is undoing the damage,” Bessent explained. “And yes, keeping them guessing is part of our leverage.”

Moody’s Downgrade? Investors Aren’t Worried

Bessent also addressed the controversial move by ratings agency Moody’s, which recently downgraded the U.S. government’s credit rating for the first time in history. The downgrade, from AAA to AA, cited rising debt and interest payments.

But Bessent dismissed the report as politically motivated.

“The markets are strong. Investors still have full confidence in the Trump economy,” he said. “Moody’s can say what they want—we’re moving forward.”

Spending Fight Looms as Trump Agenda Advances

Meanwhile, Republicans on Capitol Hill are in a race against time to finalize a budget that delivers on President Trump’s promises: rebuilding America’s economy, restoring energy independence, and securing the southern border.

With a Memorial Day deadline fast approaching, GOP lawmakers will return to Washington this week to hammer out key spending provisions.

“We’re cutting unnecessary spending, growing the economy, and protecting American jobs,” Bessent said. “This is a responsible plan for a stronger future.”