Bessent: It’s Up To China to De-Escalate Trade War, I Assume US Retailers Have “Pre-Ordered” Their Goods

ABC News reports:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in various TV hits Monday that it’s “up to China to de-escalate” the trade war. Bessent also said that “all aspects of government are in contact with China,” even as Beijing continues to deny there are any tariff talks between the two governments.

“So, they, you know, all aspects of government are in contact with China. And in terms of trade negotiations, we’ll see where this goes. But as I’ve repeatedly said that I believe that it’s up to China to de-escalate because they sell five times more to us than we sell to them. And so, these 125%, 145% tariffs are unsustainable,” Bessent said on CNBC.

Read the full article. You’ll note that Fox dutifully staged their interview of front of the migrant mugshots now littering the White House lawn.

KILMEADE: What about China? Do you plan on calling your counterpart?

BESSENT: Maybe they’ll call me one day

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 28, 2025 at 9:57 AM

Bessent on if he’s concerned about empty shelves: “Not at present. We have some great retailers. I assume they preordered.”

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) April 28, 2025 at 9:58 AM