Kevin Hassett, Chairperson of the U.S. White House Council of Economic Advisers, noted on the 6th that "more than 50 countries have requested negotiations with the White House" regarding the tariff measures imposed by the Donald Trump administration.
Hassett said during an appearance on ABC News that "many countries are angry and taking retaliatory measures against the U.S. tariff imposition, but at the same time, they are coming to the negotiating table," adding that "I received a report last night from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that more than 50 countries have requested negotiations with President Trump."
Hassett stated, "This is because a significant portion of the tariff burden is borne by those countries, and therefore, I do not think the tariff will have a large impact on U.S. consumers."
He continued, "As you say, the countries subject to the tariff are really saying they have to retaliate, and on the other hand, if inflation worsens because of the tariffs, then it’s said that U.S. consumers will bear that cost. If U.S. consumers bear that cost, then there’s no reason for other countries to be angry and retaliate."
Hassett also responded when the host asked why Russia was not included in the mutual tariff targets, saying, "What’s clear is that peace negotiations are underway involving Russia and Ukraine, and I think President Trump decided not to bundle the two issues together," adding, "That does not mean that Russia is treated differently than other countries."