The Trump administration confirmed Tuesday that it has sent formal letters to multiple countries, reminding them to submit their "best offers" on trade negotiations ahead of a fast-approaching deadline.
"The president expects good deals, and we are on track for that," Leavitt said, insisting that U.S. officials are in active talks with many key trading partners around the world.
But the need for a "friendly reminder" has fueled skepticism regarding the administration's claims that the aggressive tariffs have motivated trading partners to negotiate deals with the US. Social media users accused the administration of approaching desperation as the deadline approaches.
The Trump administration admitted it sent formal letters to several countries urging them to submit trade proposals by July 8, the deadline for its “90 deals in 90 days” initiative.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called them "friendly reminders," but critics mocked the move as desperate.
The initiative began in April after Trump paused new tariffs amid market unrest.
Online commentators questioned whether deals will materialize, accusing the administration of backpedaling from bold claims about trade leverage and partner enthusiasm.