Bessent told CNN's "State of the Union" May 18 that he spoke with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon the day before, when Trump told the company on Truth Social that they should "' EAT THE TARIFFS ," and not charge valued customers "ANYTHING."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned on Sunday that tariff rates will go back to "reciprocal" levels if countries do not make trade deals with the US during the 90-day pause. “President Trump has put them on notice that if you do not negotiate in good faith,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday played down inflation risks from the Trump administration's tariffs, saying that he spoke to the head of Walmart and the retailer's warnings of price increases for consumers were simply a “worst case scenario.”

When Trump was sworn in Jan. 20, the national average price of a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.11. After falling to $3.06 and rising to $3.24 in the subsequent weeks, a gallon on May 12 cost $3.12, the most recent data point available from federal agencies at the time Bessent made his remark.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed concerns over the US’s government debt and the inflationary impact of tariffs on companies including Walmart Inc., saying the Trump administration is determined to lower federal spending and grow the economy.

Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday warned that tariffs on trading partners could go back to the rate slapped on them on “Liberation Day” last month if they

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested critics of President Donald Trump‘s tariff plan should be open to cutting taxes, calling them “deflationary.” Trump announced a sweeping tariff plan early last month,