John Kennedy Discusses How Countries Are Urging Trump to Strike Deal on Tariffs

Clear Facts

• Senator John Kennedy expressed hope that President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will negotiate deals with countries affected by U.S. tariffs.
• Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on approximately 60 countries, with some countries like China facing higher tariffs due to their own trade barriers against the U.S.
• Despite opposition, Trump remains firm on tariffs, with 50 countries reportedly eager to negotiate with the U.S.

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana recently shared his perspective on the ongoing tariff situation. He expressed his hope that President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent would take the opportunity to negotiate deals with countries impacted by the reciprocal tariffs.

On April 2, President Trump revealed a list of roughly 60 countries that would face reciprocal tariffs from the United States. This announcement has sparked debate among lawmakers across the political spectrum. While discussing federal waste spending, Kennedy shifted the conversation to the topic of tariffs.

“I want to say a word, though, about tariffs because that’s sort of the fourth leg of this stool,” Kennedy stated. He emphasized that many fair-minded individuals would likely agree with his perspective.

Kennedy further explained that “other countries have used trade barriers to take advantage of the American people and American businesses.” He praised President Trump for taking a firm stance, saying, “We would not be in this situation today had he not been a Pitbull.”

Highlighting the global impact, Kennedy noted that out of the 195 countries worldwide, “70 are begging him to make a deal to lower tariffs.”

Following the announcement of a baseline 10% tariff, Trump indicated that countries like China would face even higher tariffs due to their existing trade barriers against the U.S. In response, Senators Chuck Grassley and Maria Cantwell introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting the president’s ability to impose tariffs without congressional approval.

“He’s like the Pitbull, though, who caught the car,” Kennedy remarked, expressing uncertainty about the president’s next steps. He added, “I hope he takes a deal. I hope he and Scott Bessent go to every one of those countries and reduce those tariffs and trade barriers down to zero and let American businesses compete with those foreign businesses.”

Despite some lawmakers’ resistance, Trump remains resolute. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that due to China’s refusal to lift its retaliatory tariffs, an additional 50% tariff would be imposed on top of existing tariffs.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently revealed that 50 countries have already shown willingness to negotiate, describing them as “willing and desperate” to engage with the Trump administration.

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