In response to Scott Bessent’s comments downplaying the August 1 tariff deadline, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:

“After Donald Trump and Howard Lutnick insisted that August 1 was a ‘hard deadline’ for their self-imposed trade war, Scott Bessent is already backtracking on the administration’s promise. Trump has repeatedly flip-flopped on his own chaotic trade war at least 28 times and now it seems his administration is moving the goalposts again. While Trump and his clown car Cabinet steer the American economy towards a full-blown crisis, Americans are all already suffering from Trump’s erratic trade war. Make no mistake: Trump is a con man, gearing up to yet break another promise to Americans as our economy continues to spiral.” 

NEW: Breaking from Donald Trump and a day after Howard Lutnick touted the “hard deadline,” Scott Bessent downplayed the August 1 tariffs deadline.

Joe Kernan: “But, Mr. Secretary, August 1st is a week from a week from Friday, I think, and I think that’s on everyone’s mind. Any progress that you can report on some of our big trading partners?” 

Scott Bessent: “Look, Joe, talks are moving along … And we are more concerned with high quality deals than getting these deals done by August 1st. … [W]e’re not going to rush for the sake of doing deals.”

Margaret Brennan: “August 1, is it a hard deadline with the E.U. or is that going to slide?”

Howard Lutnick: “No, no. That’s a hard deadline. So, on August 1, the new tariff rates will come in.”

Donald Trump: “As per letters sent to various countries yesterday, in addition to letters that will be sent today, tomorrow, and for the next short period of time, TARIFFS WILL START BEING PAID ON AUGUST 1, 2025. There has been no change to this date, and there will be no change. In other words, all money will be due and payable starting AUGUST 1, 2025 – No extensions will be granted.”

REMINDER: The Trump administration failed — massively — on its promise of 90 deals in 90 days.

Reporter: “August 1st you’ve said is the deadline. What incentives do countries have to negotiate? It seems that deadline keeps moving.”

Donald Trump: “No, it’s always been August 1st. … I didn’t make a change.”

Garrett Haake, NBC News: “President Trump just denied changing the date for tariff deadline to August 1, saying in cabinet meeting that was always the date. 

“Here’s the EO he signed yesterday moving the deadline from July 9 to August 1.”

TIME: “The 90-day pause, during which the Trump Administration pledged to negotiate deals with trading partners, was set to expire on Wednesday, July 9, but the White House confirmed on Monday that it would push back the start of hiked tariffs to Aug. 1.

“Trump also began sharing ‘letters’ to multiple heads of state on Truth Social, alerting them of the tariff rates their countries will face next month if they do not reach deals before then.

“While Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro said in April that the Administration would deliver ‘90 deals in 90 days,’ officials lowered expectations in recent days. … 

“[E]xperts had said even many major trading partners may not be able to reach deals so fast, and the agreements that have been reached are more broad frameworks with details to be worked out later than concrete deals.”

Politico: “For all his optimistic talk on trade, Trump has made little tangible progress since this spring’s tariff spree, so far only securing frameworks of agreements with the U.K. and China and leaving American businesses grappling with continued economic uncertainty.”

Trump’s reckless economic agenda is dragging the US towards a financial crisis, as Americans already face higher prices, higher long-term unemployment, and slower growth.

CNBC: “The nation’s largest retailer warned in May that it would have to raise prices for its shoppers as President Donald Trump’s new duties drive up the cost of many imported goods. About two months later, some household items on Walmart’s shelves have higher prices, according to a CNBC analysis.”

Reuters: “Fed’s Williams says tariff economic impact is only just starting”

NPR: “As things stand, there’s a 10% tariff on almost everything the U.S. imports, though there are some exceptions. On goods from China, there’s a 30% tariff rate. Last year, China was the third largest source of imported goods to the U.S.

“[S]ome economists warn that it may be some of the most vulnerable people in the U.S. who will feel the economic pinch of tariffs the president has imposed on most of the world.”

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