Trump Tariff Reversal Took ‘Great Courage,’ Says Bessent/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed President Trump’s decision to pause global tariffs as an act of “great courage.” The move spares countries that didn’t retaliate during the trade war and opens the door to new negotiations. Tariffs remain in place only for China, while others see rates drop to 10%.
Trump’s Tariff Pause Praised by Treasury Quick Looks
- Treasury Secretary Bessent calls Trump’s tariff pause “great courage”
- New 90-day global tariff freeze excludes China
- Negotiation window opens for countries seeking trade deals with U.S.
- 10% reciprocal tariff now applies to Canada, Mexico, and others
- Bessent says pause rewards countries that avoided retaliation
- Administration expects nations to present improved trade offers
- Trump’s tariff shift follows weeks of market pressure and backlash
- Bessent: U.S. open to hearing new proposals from all countries
Trump Tariff Reversal Took ‘Great Courage,’ Says Bessent
Deep Look
Bessent Hails Trump’s “Courageous” Tariff Pause as Strategic Pivot Toward Global Trade Talks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 9, 2025 — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday praised President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily suspend new tariffs on most nations, describing it as an act of “great courage” aimed at rewarding allies and stabilizing global trade tensions.
Speaking outside the White House shortly after Trump announced the 90-day pause, Bessent told reporters that the move was not only a diplomatic gesture but a calculated effort to reset negotiations and encourage cooperation.
“It took great courage, great courage for him to stay the course until this moment,” Bessent said, defending the president’s decision to back off further tariff escalation — with the notable exception of China, which now faces a 125% tariff.
The pause, Bessent said, serves as both a reprieve and an invitation. Countries that refrained from retaliating against earlier rounds of U.S. tariffs will now benefit from reduced reciprocal tariff rates, set at 10%, and the opportunity to negotiate new trade agreements with the United States.
“Every country in the world who wants to come and negotiate, we are willing to hear you,” Bessent added, signaling a more open and cooperative phase in the administration’s aggressive trade policy.
A Strategic Shift Amid Market Pressures
Trump’s decision comes after weeks of escalating global trade tension that rattled markets and sparked fears of a recession. His earlier announcement of sweeping tariffs triggered retaliatory measures from China and diplomatic protests from U.S. allies. The stock market surged in response to the pause, with the S&P 500 rising 7.8% and the Dow gaining 2,476 points.
The dramatic reversal follows intense pressure from business leaders, investors, and even some Republican lawmakers, who warned that continued tariff escalation could damage the U.S. economy and weaken international alliances.
While Trump remained steadfast in targeting China with increased tariffs — citing its alleged exploitation of the global trading system — the president’s temporary retreat from broader trade penalties appears aimed at buying time for renewed diplomacy.
Tariff Policy Realignment
The administration now says it expects nations to approach the U.S. with serious trade proposals during the 90-day window. Countries including Canada and Mexico, which had previously been caught in tariff crossfire, are now eligible for the reduced 10% reciprocal rate.
Bessent emphasized that the tariff pause wasn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a tactical move to reward restraint and open new channels of discussion.
“This is a moment of opportunity,” Bessent said. “The world has seen the strength of our trade position, and now they have the chance to engage constructively.”
China Remains the Outlier
China was notably excluded from the pause, with the White House announcing a dramatic increase in tariffs on Chinese imports from 104% to 125%. Trump cited what he described as China’s lack of respect for global markets and its unwillingness to strike a fair deal.
Beijing responded by announcing plans to raise its own tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%, escalating the economic standoff.
Despite this, Bessent defended the president’s China strategy, saying the tougher stance was essential to restore fairness and balance in trade relations.
“This is about making sure the United States is no longer taken advantage of,” he said.
Outlook for Global Trade
With the tariff pressure momentarily lifted for much of the world, analysts expect a flurry of behind-the-scenes negotiations to begin. Countries that avoided retaliating — including key allies in Europe, Asia, and Latin America — now have a chance to renegotiate their trade terms.
Business leaders have cautiously welcomed the pause, calling it a necessary step to restore market confidence. Economists warn, however, that if no deals are reached within the 90-day window, the U.S. may face renewed uncertainty and economic fallout from another round of tariff hikes.
As the clock ticks, the Trump administration is hoping its bold pivot will lead to tangible results — and that foreign governments will take the president up on his offer to negotiate.
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