'More than 50 countries' approached US about lowering tariffs: Treasury Secretary
Share and Follow


Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Sunday that “more than 50 countries” have approached the Trump administration to bring down “non-tariff trade barriers,” reduce tariffs, and halt “currency manipulation” on their side.

“More than 50 countries have approached … the administration about lowering their non-tariff trade barriers, lowering their tariffs, stopping currency manipulation,” Bessent said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” to moderator Kristen Welker.

“And … they’ve been bad actors for a long time. And it’s not the kind of thing you can negotiate away, be it in days or weeks,” he added.

On Thursday, markets dropped dramatically after President Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on goods imported into the United States, alongside other tariffs aimed at multiple U.S. trading partners. The economy did not fare better the following day, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 2,200 points and the S&P 500 dropping by 10 percent over the course of Thursday and Friday.

In his “Meet the Press” appearance Sunday, Bessent referred to Trump’s tariffs as a “one-time price adjustment,” stressing a distinction from continuous price increases due to inflation.

“Have you expressed any concerns to President Trump directly that his tariff policy could be inflationary?” Welker asked Bessent on Sunday.

“No, what I have said are tariffs are a one-time price adjustment,” Bessent responded.

“So, there’s a big difference between insipid, endemic inflation within the system and consistent price level increases and a one-time adjustment,” he added.

Trump also said Saturday that the tariffs will result in an “economic revolution.”

“We have been the dumb and helpless ‘whipping post,’ but not any longer,” the president said on Truth Social. “We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before. Already, more than FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT, and rising fast!”

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett defended the president’s tariffs on Sunday, saying he didn’t think there will be a “big effect on the consumer in the U.S.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Tow truck driver arrested for taking car with a little girl inside

Tow Truck Driver Accused of Accidentally Towing Car with Child Inside

In a startling incident in Florida, a tow truck driver has been…
DRAFT 2025 big stories | firstcoastnews.com

Preview 2025: Top Anticipated Stories to Watch on First Coast News

From catastrophic natural events to the Los Angeles Dodgers clinching their second…
Internet slow? Map reveals which provider is fastest at every Alabama address

Discover Alabama’s Fastest Internet Provider: Unveiling the Ultimate Speed Map for Your Address

(NEXSTAR) – If you’re constantly dealing with web pages failing to load…
Historic Japanese slugger stuns fans by joining unlikely MLB team

Legendary Japanese Slugger Shocks Fans with Surprising MLB Team Move

Just three years after shattering one of Japan’s most prestigious home run…
FILE - Colorado Gov. Jared Polis speaks to the National Governors Association at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 25, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Colorado Governor Criticizes Trump for Denying Disaster Requests Amid Political Tensions

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis has criticized President Donald Trump…
Australian PM Albanese gets booed during Bondi Beach vigil honoring Hanukkah attack victims

Australian PM Albanese Faces Backlash at Bondi Beach Vigil for Hanukkah Attack Victims

During a vigil held on Sunday to honor the victims of the…
Caprice, 54, reveals what she eats in a day to maintain her figure

Caprice, 54, Shares Daily Meal Plan for Fitness and Health Maintenance

Caprice has shared her secrets to maintaining her stunning figure after deciding…
Jesus Martinez charged with setting CTA Blue Line fire near Damen Blue Line stop in Wicker Park: Chicago Police Department

Chicago Police Department Charges Jesus Martinez in CTA Blue Line Arson Near Damen Station in Wicker Park

A man has been charged after allegedly igniting a fire on a…