April 24, 2025

‘Greater than 50 international locations reached out to Trump to start negotiations’: Financial council director Kevin Hassett in protection of tariffs


'More than 50 countries reached out to Trump to begin negotiations': Economic council director Kevin Hassett in defense of tariffs
Kevin Hassett defends Donald Trump

White Home Nationwide Financial Council Director Kevin Hassett got here out defence of President Donald Trump’s commerce insurance policies, dismissing considerations about elevated prices for American customers amid the large backlash and recession fears.
“So the very fact is, the international locations are indignant and retaliating — and, by the way in which, coming to the desk. I bought a report from the [US Trade Representative] final night time that greater than 50 international locations have reached out to the president to start a negotiation, however they’re doing that as a result of they perceive that they bear a variety of the tariff.”
Additional defending Trump administration insurance policies, he added, “I do not suppose that you will see an enormous impact on the buyer within the US, as a result of I do suppose that the explanation why we’ve a persistent long-run commerce deficit is these individuals have very inelastic provide,” Hassett defined throughout his look on ABC Information’ “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos.
This comes as Trump, earlier this week, introduced complete tariffs affecting almost all US buying and selling companions, together with a common 10% tariff on imports and extra particular tariffs for sure nations. The announcement triggered an instantaneous decline in inventory markets and prompted retaliatory measures from varied international locations. Democratic politicians and financial coverage critics expressed severe considerations about potential recession dangers and deteriorating relationships with allied nations.
In the meantime, J P Morgan went forward to venture a US recession by the tip of 2025, attributing it to the tariffs. The forecast signifies a possible GDP decline and better unemployment. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell echoed the considerations, highlighting that tariffs might trigger larger inflation and slower progress.
The broad-based 10% tariffs grew to become efficient on Saturday, while country-specific tariffs are scheduled to begin on Wednesday.