White House Says Trump 'Optimistic' As He Waits For China's Xi To Call
By Sonam Sheth
Translate
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday that President Donald Trump is "optimistic" about striking a trade deal with China.
Leavitt made the comment in response to a reporter who asked why Trump hasn't called Chinese President Xi Jinping amid their escalating trade war.
The Context
The questions came after China slapped a 125 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports in response to the U.S. raising tariffs on China to 145 percent.
China's decision came hours after White House officials reportedly called their counterparts in Beijing, warned them not to retaliate and told them to have Xi request a phone call with Trump to negotiate a trade deal.
Instead, China responded by hiking its tariffs on the U.S. to 125 percent and Xi dug his heels in publicly, saying China will "never" rely "on handouts from others, and it is not afraid of any unjust suppression."
Karoline Leavitt
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt listens during a briefing with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Friday, April 11, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP
What To Know
During Friday's White House press briefing, a reporter referenced Trump's past comments about his relationship with Xi and his statements indicating China is open to renegotiating a deal with the U.S. on tariffs.
"President Trump has said he has a great relationship with Chinese Xi, he's willing to speak with him directly," the reporter said. "Why doesn't the president just pick up the phone and get this ball going?"
"All of the things the president just said are true," Leavitt said, adding that Trump "would be gracious if China intends to make a deal with the United States. If China continues to retaliate, it's not good for China."
"The United States of America is the strongest, best country in the world, as evidenced by the more than 75 countries who have called the administration immediately to cut good deals," the press secretary said. "So the president wants to do what's right for the American people, he wants to see fair trade practices around the globe and that's his intention and his goal."
The reporter asked Leavitt to clarify whether Trump "is waiting for China to make the first move here."
Read more Donald Trump
Trump Admin Reacts to Consumer Confidence Plunging to Historic Low
JPMorgan Maintains 60% Recession Call Despite Trump 90-Day Tariff Pause
Trump's Tariff Guide: Which Ones Are Still In Effect After 90-Day Pause?
Donald Trump Explains His 90-Day Tariff Pause: People Were Getting 'Yippy'
Leavitt replied that she would not comment "on communications that are happening or may not be happening," adding that it was up to the U.S. national security team to "get these discussions underway."
"But the president has made it very clear he's open to a deal with China," she said.
"Why is he optimistic that China's going to make a deal, or wants to make a deal, if they're not talking?" the reporter pressed. "Where is that optimism coming from?"
"He's optimistic," Leavitt said.
What People Are Saying
The Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement that its tariffs on the U.S. will not go above 125 percent: "Even if the United States continues to impose higher tariffs, it will no longer make economic sense and will become a joke in the history of the world economy. At the current tariff level, there is no market acceptance for American goods exported to China. If the United States continues to play the tariff numbers game, China will ignore it."
Xi said in Beijing, while hosting Spanish President Pedro Sanchez: "There will be no winners in a tariff war and going against the world will only isolate oneself."
Trump posted to Truth Social after China announced its latest tariff hike: "We are doing really well on our TARIFF POLICY. Very exciting for America, and the World!!! It is moving along quickly. DJT"
What Happens Next
Leavitt said Friday the White House is working to renegotiate trade deals with as many as 75 countries as quickly as possible and ideally before the deadline for the 90-day pause on "reciprocal" tariffs that Trump announced earlier this week.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings