By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-bessent-defends-trumps-strategic-uncertainty-says-certainty-not-necessarily-a-good-thing-in-negotiating Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Bessent defends Trump’s ‘strategic uncertainty,’ says certainty ‘not necessarily a good thing in negotiating’ Politics Apr 29, 2025 11:52 AM EDT Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that the economic uncertainty upending global financial markets is a tool President Donald Trump can use as he negotiates tariffs and trade deals. “President Trump creates what I would call strategic uncertainty in the negotiations,” he told reporters at the White House. Watch in the video player above. “I think the aperture of uncertainty will be narrowing and, as we start moving forward announcing deals, then there will be certainty,” Bessent said. “But certainty is not necessarily a good thing in negotiating.” READ MORE: Trump to relax some of his 25 percent tariffs on cars and parts, after worries they could hurt U.S. factories To those with questions about the market uncertainty, Leavitt added: “I would say, trust in President Trump.” Find more coverage on Trump’s first 100 days POLL: How Americans grade Trump’s first 100 days WATCH: Breaking down the first 100 days of Trump’s 2nd term and the effects of his agenda WATCH: The most consequential moments from the first 100 days of Trump’s second term WATCH: White House touts aggressive immigration crackdown in Trump’s first 100 days READ MORE: Examining Trump’s progress on his promises, 100 days in We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that the economic uncertainty upending global financial markets is a tool President Donald Trump can use as he negotiates tariffs and trade deals. “President Trump creates what I would call strategic uncertainty in the negotiations,” he told reporters at the White House. Watch in the video player above. “I think the aperture of uncertainty will be narrowing and, as we start moving forward announcing deals, then there will be certainty,” Bessent said. “But certainty is not necessarily a good thing in negotiating.” READ MORE: Trump to relax some of his 25 percent tariffs on cars and parts, after worries they could hurt U.S. factories To those with questions about the market uncertainty, Leavitt added: “I would say, trust in President Trump.” Find more coverage on Trump’s first 100 days POLL: How Americans grade Trump’s first 100 days WATCH: Breaking down the first 100 days of Trump’s 2nd term and the effects of his agenda WATCH: The most consequential moments from the first 100 days of Trump’s second term WATCH: White House touts aggressive immigration crackdown in Trump’s first 100 days READ MORE: Examining Trump’s progress on his promises, 100 days in We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now