President Donald Trump noted regarding the trade negotiations with China that "the ball is in China's court," and that "China needs to negotiate with us, but we do not need to negotiate with China."
On the 15th (local time), President Trump said, "China is no different from other countries, except for much bigger things," according to White House Spokesperson Caroline Levitt during a briefing.
Trump further claimed, "China wants American consumers just like other countries; in other words, they need our money."
On that day, Spokesperson Levitt responded to a question regarding whether Trump's policy to potentially reduce tariffs on China for transactions related to the Chinese video platform TikTok is still valid by reading the statement that "we are open to transactions with China. China needs to negotiate with the U.S."
In response to a question about the trade negotiation situation with countries other than China, Spokesperson Levitt reiterated that over 70 countries have contacted the U.S., adding that "more than 15 proposals are on the negotiation table and are actively being reviewed." She continued, "I believe we can announce something about some negotiations soon."
Spokesperson Levitt replied to a question about what additional tariff measures regarding automobiles President Trump mentioned the previous day by saying, "There is nothing to announce here (at this moment)," and that "the president's point is that he has flexibility in negotiations and discussions."
Regarding support measures for American farmers facing difficulties due to the global tariff war, she stated, "Relief proposals are being reviewed," and that "the Secretary of Agriculture reported this to President Trump."
Additionally, in response to a question about whether Trump supports raising corporate taxes for the tax cut plan currently under discussion in the U.S. Congress, Spokesperson Levitt replied, "I do not see that President Trump has made a decision on his support for that."
Questions also arose regarding a video meme created with artificial intelligence (AI) depicting President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance working in shoe and mobile phone factories.
In response, Spokesperson Levitt stated, "I saw the video," and added, "I do not know who made the video, but whoever it was, they did not see the potential of the American workforce."
He then asserted, "President Trump knows that we have the best workforce in the world."