President Donald Trump touted the recent trade agreement with China during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, calling it one of the most significant accomplishments of his second term so far—and revealing what he considers its most exciting feature.
“Many years ago, we opened up the USA. Now it’s time for China to open up,” Trump said during the interview Tuesday night while en route to Saudi Arabia. “To me, that’s the most exciting part.”
The deal, announced Monday, sets a 90-day cooling-off period between the world’s two largest economies and temporarily eases the tariff war that had sent markets into a tailspin in April. As part of the agreement, U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports will be cut by 24 percentage points, leaving a remaining 10% in place for the time being.
Talks leading to the deal took place in Geneva over the weekend between U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and their Chinese counterparts. Trump emphasized that the deal came together quickly because both sides had strong incentives to resolve tensions.
“They had a deal pretty much from the beginning,” Trump said, pointing out that while other nations have long benefited from access to U.S. markets, China has consistently maintained closed or heavily restricted markets for American businesses and products.
The real breakthrough, according to Trump, is that this new deal includes provisions aimed at forcing Beijing to open up its domestic market to U.S. goods and services—a long-standing sticking point in trade relations.
While final details are still being “papered,” Trump told Hannity that China has agreed in principle to begin lifting key barriers that have kept American businesses out of its massive consumer base.
The president also praised the recent trade deal with the United Kingdom and hinted that even more international agreements are in the works. “Virtually everybody wants to make a deal,” he said, adding that foreign leaders are lining up for talks.
Trump dismissed concerns over the optics of accepting a jumbo jet gift from the Qatari royal family, saying the gesture would help modernize the presidential fleet after Boeing’s delays in delivering new Air Force One aircraft.
“We’re giving to everybody else. Why wouldn’t I accept the gift?” he said. “We give too many gifts, to be honest with you. We give gifts to defend countries that wouldn’t even exist.”
While some critics argue that the China truce doesn’t go far enough, Trump’s team insists it’s just the beginning. Greer noted the importance of resolving deeper structural issues in the months ahead.
Markets responded enthusiastically to the news, with stocks surging on signs of reduced tension between the U.S. and China.
As Trump embarks on a high-stakes trip to the Middle East, the White House has made it clear that trade remains a top priority—and the president seems eager to rack up more wins.
Whether or not the full impact of the China deal delivers the economic and political payoff Trump is banking on, one thing is clear: he’s putting the full weight of his presidency behind reshaping global trade—and China just took a major step back.