Fact Check: Trump hints at delaying July 9 tariff deadline.

Fact Check: Trump Hints at Delaying July 9 Tariff Deadline

What We Know

On June 27, 2025, President Trump indicated that the United States might extend the deadline for reimposing tariffs on various countries, which was set for July 9. During a news conference, Trump stated, “We can do whatever we want,” suggesting flexibility regarding the tariff deadlines. He elaborated that he could either extend the deadline or shorten it, saying, “I’d like to make it shorter” but also implying that he could send out letters to countries detailing their tariff obligations (source).

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the July deadlines were "not critical" and that the decision to extend them would ultimately rest with the president (source). Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also mentioned that negotiations with trading partners could extend beyond the July deadline, potentially wrapping up by Labor Day (source).

Analysis

The statements made by Trump and his administration suggest a clear intention to maintain flexibility regarding the tariff deadlines. Trump's comments that he could extend the deadline align with the White House's position that the July 9 deadline is not set in stone. This is further supported by Bessent's assertion that trade negotiations could continue past the deadline (source, source).

However, it is important to note that while Trump has hinted at the possibility of extending the deadline, there is no formal announcement or commitment to do so at this time. The administration's approach to trade negotiations has been characterized by unpredictability, which raises questions about the reliability of their statements. For instance, while they claim to be nearing deals with several countries, the actual agreements reached have often been described as vague frameworks rather than comprehensive trade deals (source).

The credibility of the sources reporting on these developments is generally high, with major news outlets like The New York Times and CNBC providing detailed coverage of the administration's trade policies and negotiations. However, the inherent unpredictability of Trump's administration means that any statements made should be viewed with caution, as they may change rapidly based on political considerations or negotiation outcomes.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump hinted at delaying the July 9 tariff deadline is True. Trump's comments, along with the statements from White House officials, indicate a willingness to extend the deadline if necessary. However, the lack of a formal commitment and the unpredictable nature of Trump's administration mean that the situation remains fluid and subject to change.