Trump administration labels 90-day trade war pause as 'Fake News,' doubling down on tariff blitz that’s roiling markets

US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on China, while his press secretary labelled a report that there will be a 90-day pause on Trump's global trade war as "fake news," reported The Sun. This rumour caused even more panic among investors in the US and even globally as markets continued to plummet, as per the report.

Donald Trump’s 50% Tariff Threat

While, on Liberation Day, the US president imposed an extra 34% tariff on imports from China, making the total tax on Chinese goods up to 54%, according to The Sun. China responded by imposing a 34% tariff on US imports from April 10, as per the report.

However, Trump threatened China on Monday, saying that if the country does not withdraw its 34% tariff "above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th," quoted The Sun.


He also posted on his social media site Truth Social that, "Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!" as quoted in the report.

White House Denies Claim of 90-Day Pause in Trade War

At the same time, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that reports of a "90-day reprieve on Trump's global trade war were fake news," quoted The Sun. She also asserted that the US president is determined to stick to his tariff plan, as per the report.

FAQs

Why is Donald Trump threatening a 50% tariff on China?
Trump is escalating his trade war with China, demanding that they reverse a 34% tariff on US goods. If they don’t comply, he plans to increase tariffs even further.

What did Karoline Leavitt say?
Leavitt dismissed rumours of a 90-day pause in the trade war, calling them “fake news,” as per the report. She also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to its aggressive tariff strategy.