Peter Doocy Corners Karoline Leavitt Over Trump’s Secretive Trade Talks
Tensions flared at the White House on Monday as Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy confronted Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt over the Trump administration’s tight-lipped handling of new international trade proposals. During a press briefing, Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump’s administration has received eighteen formal trade offers from foreign governments — a notable milestone in the White House’s aggressive post-inauguration trade strategy. However, specifics about these offers remain under wraps. “You’ve got at least 18 written trade proposals,” Doocy asked bluntly. “We still don’t know who sent them or what they say. What’s the holdup?” Leavitt stood firm, denying any delays. “There’s no holdup,” she replied. “We’re working around the clock.” She emphasized that the trade team is operating “24/7” to finalize deals that will favor American industries, adding that President Trump is expected to personally share more information later this week. “I don’t want to get ahead of the president,” she said. The press briefing followed Trump’s April 9 announcement on Truth Social of a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs — a move intended to give other countries time to submit “fair” trade proposals. China, notably, was excluded from this temporary pause. Talks with South Korea appear to be gaining momentum. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently said negotiations with Seoul are moving “faster than expected,” hinting that a finalized agreement with the key U.S. ally may be on the horizon. Meanwhile, Trump stirred headlines again on April 22, stating his intention to “substantially” lower steep tariffs on Chinese imports — some of which have reached as high as 245%, according to April 15 White House reports. But that announcement has sparked confusion: Chinese officials deny that any talks are underway, contradicting the administration’s stance. Leavitt, speaking later on Fox News, clarified the U.S. position: “There will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs on China,” she said, signaling that concessions will be required from Beijing if any progress is to be made. Despite the mixed messaging, CNBC reported Treasury Secretary Bessent’s comments that some form of “de-escalation” with China is likely. That glimmer of diplomacy comes amid growing tensions after Trump’s early April tariff hikes triggered retaliatory moves from Beijing. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick remains actively engaged in talks, with Leavitt referencing weekend calls between Lutnick and Bessent as the administration continues navigating the complex web of global trade.