The White House has pushed back against reports claiming that President Donald Trump is considering a 90-day pause on tariffs. On Monday, a White House official labeled these reports as "fake news." This clarification came after Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, spoke about tariffs in an interview on Fox News, leading to speculation that Trump might halt tariffs except those on China.
The rumor gained traction on social media, particularly on X, where many users with large followings shared the misleading information. Some reports even suggested that the stock market reacted positively to the news, albeit briefly.
Mary Margaret Olohan, a correspondent for Daily Wire, reported that a White House official confirmed the claims about a tariff pause were incorrect. The White House’s Rapid Response account also chimed in, stating that Hassett did not make any such comments and reiterated that President Trump remains firm on his tariff strategy, especially regarding China.
This speculation about a possible tariff pause was partly sparked by comments from billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. He urged Trump to consider a "90-day time out" to negotiate better deals, warning that escalating tariffs could lead to significant economic fallout.
During the Fox News interview, Hassett acknowledged Ackman’s remarks but emphasized that the president would make the final decision. He also noted that numerous countries are currently in negotiations with the U.S. and urged caution in the rhetoric surrounding the issue.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump encouraged Americans to remain patient as his tariffs are implemented, asserting that the U.S. has a unique opportunity to address long-standing trade issues. He called for strength and patience, suggesting that these qualities would lead to national greatness.
