FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Senior administration officials stated on Sunday that over 50 countries impacted by President Donald Trump’s new tariffs have initiated contact to commence negotiations regarding the extensive import duties that have caused financial markets turmoil, heightened recession fears, and disrupted the global trade framework.
The elevated tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a period of economic unpredictability with no clear resolution in sight. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that unfair trade practices are not “the kind of thing you can negotiate away in days or weeks.” He emphasized that the U.S. needs to assess “what the countries offer and whether it’s credible.”
Trump, who spent the weekend golfing in Florida, tweeted, “WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy.” His Cabinet officials and economic advisors were active on Sunday, defending the tariffs while downplaying their repercussions on the global economy.
“A recession is not inevitable. Who knows how the market will react in a day, in a week?” Bessent stated. “Our focus is on establishing long-term economic fundamentals for prosperity.”
Trump’s tariff initiative, announced on April 2, fulfilled a significant campaign promise as he proceeded without Congressional approval to revise the rules of global trade. This decision reflects Trump’s longstanding critique of foreign trade agreements as detrimental to U.S. interests. He is betting that voters will accept increased prices for everyday goods to achieve his economic objectives.
Countries are scrambling to strategize their response to the tariffs, with China and others retaliating swiftly.
Kevin Hassett, the top economic advisor at the White House, acknowledged that other nations are “angry and retaliatory,” adding that they are “coming to the table.” He referenced the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which reported that more than 50 nations have approached the White House to initiate discussions.
Compounding the turmoil, the new tariffs are affecting both American allies and adversaries, including Israel, which faces a 17% tariff. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday, with his office stating that tariffs will be a discussion point with Trump, alongside the conflict in Gaza and other topics.
Another American ally, Vietnam, a significant hub for clothing manufacturing, has also communicated with the administration regarding the tariffs. Trump mentioned that during a phone call, Vietnam’s leader expressed a desire to reduce their tariffs to ZERO in exchange for a deal with the U.S. Similarly, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, a key European ally, stated she opposes Trump’s actions but is “prepared to deploy all necessary tools—both negotiation and economic—to support our businesses and sectors that may be affected.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made it clear that the implementation of tariffs is imminent.
“The tariffs are coming. Absolutely,” he said, stressing that Trump needs to reset global trade dynamics. However, he only committed to their remaining “for days and weeks.”
In Congress, where Trump’s Republican Party has traditionally supported free trade, the tariff plan has garnered both enthusiasm and significant concern.
A number of Republican senators have endorsed a new bipartisan bill requiring presidents to justify new tariffs to Congress. Subsequently, lawmakers would have 60 days to approve the tariffs, or they would lapse.
John Barrasso of Wyoming, the second-ranking member of the Senate GOP leadership, remarked that Trump is “acting within his rights.” However, he acknowledged, “there is concern, and there’s concern nationwide. People are monitoring the markets.”
“There’ll be a discussion in the Senate,” Barrasso commented regarding the tariffs. “We’ll see how the dialogue unfolds.”
Elon Musk, Trump’s advisor on government efficiency and a billionaire entrepreneur, had been relatively quiet on the tariffs but stated at a weekend event in Italy that he would prefer the U.S. and Europe to reach a “zero-tariff scenario.” This remark drew criticism from White House trade advisor Peter Navarro.
“Elon, when he is on his DOGE lane, is great. But we have to understand what is happening here. He sells cars,” Navarro asserted. He added, “He’s merely looking out for his own interests, as any businessperson would.”
Lawrence Summers, an economist and former treasury secretary under Democratic President Bill Clinton, pointed out that Trump’s economic team is sending mixed signals if they claim to be committed to reviving manufacturing while remaining open to negotiations with trade partners.
Summers warned that if other nations eliminate their tariffs and the U.S. follows suit, “it’s just making a deal; we won’t generate any revenue or encourage businesses to relocate to the U.S. If it’s meant to be a permanent revenue source while attracting businesses to relocate here, then these tariffs must remain in place indefinitely. Thus, the president can’t expect to have it both ways.”
Bessent was a guest on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” while Hassett and Summers appeared on ABC’s “This Week.” Lutnick and Barrasso were featured on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” and Navarro was interviewed on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures.”
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Associated Press reporters Giada Zampano in Rome and Fatima Hussein in Jupiter, Florida, contributed to this report.
