Fact Check: "Trump claims 'we just signed with China' amid trade negotiations."
What We Know
On June 26, 2025, President Donald Trump stated, "We just signed with China the other day," during an event at the White House, indicating that a trade agreement had been reached between the United States and China amid ongoing trade negotiations (Al Jazeera). This claim was supported by a White House official who mentioned that the agreement was related to a framework for implementing a previous trade understanding reached in Geneva, which aimed to expedite rare earth shipments to the U.S. (Reuters).
Additionally, China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed that both sides had agreed on details of the framework, although they did not specifically mention rare earths (CNBC). The agreement followed a series of negotiations that included a temporary truce on tariff increases, which had been a significant point of contention between the two nations.
Analysis
The claim made by Trump that a trade agreement was signed with China is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The Al Jazeera report highlights Trump's assertion and the context of the agreement, while Reuters provides additional details about the framework aimed at facilitating rare earth exports. Furthermore, CNBC reinforces the validity of the claim by stating that China confirmed the details of the agreement, indicating a mutual understanding between the two countries.
The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, it is essential to note that while the agreement was described as signed, the specifics of its implementation and the full scope of its terms were not disclosed, leading to some ambiguity regarding its immediate impact on trade relations.
Critically, the context of Trump's statement is also important. The announcement came amid a backdrop of fluctuating trade policies and ongoing negotiations, which have historically been characterized by rapid changes and reversals. This context suggests that while the claim is true, the situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of the agreement are yet to be fully realized.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump stated "we just signed with China" is accurate, as it is supported by multiple credible sources confirming the signing of a trade agreement. The context and details surrounding the agreement indicate ongoing negotiations and a framework for future trade relations, but the specifics of its implementation remain to be clarified.
