“Ball Is in China’s Court”: Trump Signals Tough Stand as White House Awaits Movement on Tariffs and TikTok

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says President Trump remains firm on trade as negotiations continue and China faces mounting pressure ahead of TikTok ban deadline

Washington, April 16: In a firm statement during Tuesday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the Trump administration’s no-compromise stance on China, saying the “ball is in China’s court” regarding ongoing trade talks and the looming TikTok ban.

When asked about the June 19 deadline set for the forced divestiture of TikTok’s U.S. operations unless a deal is struck, Leavitt indicated that “two months is a long time,” and that negotiations are ongoing with Vice President leading talks and President Trump closely involved.

“The President has made his position on China quite clear,” Leavitt said. “China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them.”

She then shared a fresh statement from President Trump:

“There’s no difference between China and any other country, except they are much larger. China wants what we have — the American consumer. They need our money.”

The White House continues to emphasize that Trump is open to a deal, but only on terms favorable to the United States. The administration has framed the trade conversation around “reciprocity” and strategic leverage, noting that China needs access to American markets far more than the reverse.

Trade Talks and Tariff Strategy

Pressed on whether Trump would consider reducing tariffs on China to facilitate a TikTok deal, Leavitt pushed back, emphasizing that the administration remains committed to a broader trade strategy. She praised the efforts of the U.S. Trade Representative, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Treasury for working on what she called “good trade deals.”

“The President is deeply involved and wants to personally sign off on all trade deals,” she noted, citing over 15 active proposals and interest from more than 75 countries to engage in new trade agreements.

Tariff Pause Excludes China

Last week, Trump enacted a 90-day pause on “reciprocal tariffs” affecting numerous countries — a move CNN reported as a tactic to buy time for finalizing trade agreements. However, the pause does not include China, whose goods remain under tariffs as high as 145%, except for specific electronics.

Meanwhile, China has retaliated by increasing duties on select American imports, further escalating the trade standoff.

As the clock ticks toward the TikTok deadline and with global trade negotiations heating up, Trump’s hardline stance signals that China must make the next move — or face the consequences of being sidelined from the world’s largest consumer economy.

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Stay tuned for updates on TikTok, trade deals, and the evolving U.S.-China tariff landscape.