More than 50 countries have contacted White House to start trade talks, Trump adviser says

The White House has seen a surge of international interest in trade talks, with over 50 countries reaching out to initiate negotiations, as senior U.S. officials sought to reassure markets and clarify the administration’s economic strategy amid ongoing tariff developments.

More than 50 nations have approached the White House to initiate trade negotiations, according to U.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett in an interview with ABC News on Sunday.

Hassett also dismissed suggestions that President Donald Trump’s tariffs serve as an indirect strategy to influence the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.

Separately, in an interview with NBC News, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed recent stock market declines following the tariff announcement, stating there is "no reason" to expect a recession as a result of the trade measures.

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