Karoline Leavitt waffles on major Trump deadline: 'Not critical'

With President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs set to expire July 9, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Thursday the deadline was “not critical,” despite Trump’s earlier assertion that an extension likely wouldn’t be necessary.

“The deadline is not critical, the president can simply provide these countries with a deal if they refuse to make us one by the deadline,” Leavitt said, speaking during a White House press briefing. “That means the president can pick a reciprocal tariff rate that he believes is advantageous for the United States and for the American worker, and he will continue to do that.”

Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on all foreign countries back in April, only to implement a 90-day pause weeks later to continue trade talks. European leaders are expected to decide on Thursday how to respond to the looming deadline, either by accepting Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on all European goods or by imposing higher tariffs on the United States.

At the press briefing, Leavitt appeared to downplay the severity of the looming standoff and said discussions with European leaders were ongoing and productive.

“As for the deals, our United States trade ambassador Jamieson Greer is working very hard, and he has had very good and productive discussions with many of our key trading partners,” she said.

European leaders offered a “zero-for-zero” trade agreement with the United States just before the first wave of tariffs was implemented; however, Trump has shown no interest in entertaining the offer.