Trump Grovels as Xi Snubs Call and Tariff Gamble Implodes

Donald Trump has been left red-faced after Chinese President Xi Jinping flatly refused to take his calls, despite Trump being reportedly “obsessed” with the idea of a direct conversation to salvage his faltering tariff negotiations. The situation is spiraling into an international embarrassment.

In a midnight Truth Social rant, Trump posted:

"I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!"

Rather than his usual insults aimed at foreign leaders, Trump’s comments about Xi are strangely deferential—an unusual tone that reveals just how desperate he is for progress.

This bizarre outburst came just a day after the Trump administration began frantically sending formal letters to countries around the world, pleading with them to submit their “best offers” on trade deals ahead of a looming July 9 deadline tied to Trump’s stalled “reciprocal” tariffs.

If negotiations were on track—especially given the earlier promise of “90 deals in 90 days”—there’d be no need for these last-ditch appeals. The reality is clear: foreign governments are hesitant to sign deals with an administration known for unpredictability. Why commit to terms if Trump could reverse course and reimpose tariffs at any moment?

According to Bloomberg, talks with China have been particularly rocky. Trump has been pushing hard for direct talks with Xi, but the Chinese leader is reportedly uninterested in engaging with him personally, preferring to leave discussions to his advisors.

Politico adds that Trump is fixated on getting Xi on the phone, believing it could break the deadlock. Yet despite the White House claiming on Monday that a call was “likely this week,” officials privately admitted that no such call has been scheduled.

Currently, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods stand at 30%, while Chinese tariffs on American products are at 10%—significantly lowered from earlier rates of 145% and 135%, respectively, thanks to a temporary 90-day pause. If a deal isn’t reached soon, those steep tariffs could return.

One source familiar with the situation told Politico that the Trump administration is “under intense pressure” as China maintains its blockade on critical minerals and components vital to U.S. industries—including electronics and defense manufacturing.

“I don’t think Xi is too interested in exporting any more rare earths or magnets to the United States,” the source said. “He’s made his position clear.”

In the end, as always, Trump will likely fold, repackage the retreat as a triumph, and declare himself the winner—true to form for the man some now mockingly call “TACO Trump.”