Start talkingtrade deals, Mr. President and end the tariff meltdown

Mr.President, take “yes” for an answer.On Monday, as the fallout from Liberation Day continued to rile markets, the European Union surrendered.“We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.That would lower the price of pharmaceuticals, cars and other products that American companies export to the EU.It’s exactly the sort of agreement that would make President Trump’s tariff wars a success — forcing nations to make better deals for our workers.

And if the agreement isn’t perfect, it’s at least a starting point.But is the administration even answering the phone?Trump officials are baffling the markets with contradictory messages.Peter Navarro, senior counselor for trade, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggest that these overtures are for naught.The tariffs are permanent, Lutnick said over the weekend.

“This is not a negotiation.”More reassuringly, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicates otherwise.He boasted that more than 70 countries have approached Washington about making a deal, suggesting that, yes, negotiation is the point.

Bessent added that next week he will specifically work with Japan on a new trade agreement.Count Elon Musk as pro-haggling.He enlisted Milton Friedman — via throwback video — to explain how no country is completely self-sufficient.It is the free market that takes rubber from Malaysia, graphite from South Africa and wood from the United States to create a pencil that is efficient and affordable, Friedman explains.The president, as is his wont, has played both sides of the debate.Asked if other countries could avoid the tariffs by agreeing to new trade deals, he said, “That depends.

The tariffs give us great power to negotiate.They always have.”But later, he went online to insist that tariffs were here to stay.

“MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE.” And on Monday, he rejected Europe’s offer out of hand.That’s because Trump sees ...