Bessent Praises Trump’s ‘Bravery’ in Response to China Tariffs, Emphasizes Rewards for Non-Retaliating Countries – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
6:09 PM – Wednesday, April 9, 2025
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s tariff pause has positively impacted over 75 countries that have chosen to negotiate with the United States rather than retaliate.
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Bessent addressed reporters during a press conference following Trump’s significant tariff announcement.
“It required substantial courage for him to remain committed to this path until now,” Bessent emphasized.
The treasury secretary reminded journalists at the press conference that the Trump administration’s previous stance had been to warn nations worldwide: “Do not retaliate, and you will be rewarded.”
Once again, Bessent reiterated this message on Wednesday.
“We are open to discussions with every country that wishes to negotiate,” Bessent assured.
He specifically called out China, which Trump is allegedly imposing a new 125% tariff on, citing “their insistence on escalation” and retaliation.
Shortly thereafter, Bessent began discussing the potential for establishing special agreements with select trading partners in the wake of Trump’s tariff policy shift.
With markets responding positively, Bessent informed reporters at the White House that South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan had shown interest in a new “large LNG project” in Alaska. He mentioned his recent meeting with Japan’s ambassador to the United States, noting they had a “pleasant discussion.”
Bessent also indicated he met with Vietnamese officials on Wednesday and believes progress is being made in a “positive direction.”
He described the discussions as “tailored,” rather than “generic,” following Trump’s request for specialized negotiations. The president announced the pause and later defended his action at the White House.
“No other president would have taken the steps that I did,” Trump remarked. “I initiated a 90-day pause for those that didn’t retaliate,” he added.
“At times, tough decisions must be made; you have to do what is necessary,” the president mentioned, acknowledging that Americans were growing increasingly “anxious” and “concerned.”
“However, it’s a transition towards greatness,” Trump declared.
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