In his starkest admission to date on the trade war, President Donald Trump said his high-tariff policy on China is “not sustainable.”
This admission, made in an interview, signals a potential shift in strategy as he prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump confirmed the summit is scheduled for two weeks from now.
Despite the admission, Trump did not take responsibility, insisting China “forced me to do that.” This frames the tariffs as a temporary, painful measure he was cornered into.
The president offered a mixed outlook, stating “I think we’re going to be fine,” but also “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” because “China is always looking for an edge.”
The talks are overshadowed by a November 10 deadline, when a 90-day truce that has paused duties as high as 145% is set to expire. Trump’s goal is to secure a “fair deal.”