Bessent Leads U.S. Trade Talks as Trump Eyes China Market Access

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is spearheading U.S. trade negotiations, with President Donald Trump expressing optimism Friday about opening China’s market to American goods through his aggressive “reciprocal” tariffs. 

A source told The NY Post that Bessent, a $520 million hedge fund veteran, is trusted by Trump for his resume, though Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and adviser Peter Navarro also influence the administration’s economic team. 

Following Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff announcement and its suspension a week later, Bessent has been the public face of talks with dozens of countries.

Bessent reported progress with India, predicting it could be the first to sign a bilateral trade deal, citing its lower tariffs and minimal trade barriers. 

He met Japan’s delegation last week, with more talks expected soon, and praised South Korea’s “A-game” approach after Thursday’s meeting, hinting at a possible agreement next week. 

Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Pope Francis’ funeral, said his tariffs could “open China,” despite Beijing’s denial of ongoing talks. 

He told Time magazine that the 145% tariffs on China are unsustainable, as is the $1.1 trillion U.S. trade deficit, which he called a “loss.” 

Trump predicted a wave of trade deals within three to four weeks, insisting, “I’ve made all the deals,” while lamenting media criticism. 

Bessent echoed that the tariff standoff with China must de-escalate, aiming for a balanced trade equilibrium.

Alabama Legislative Session Nears End with Key Bills in Limbo

As Alabama’s 2026 legislative session nears its close, critical bills on illegal immigration and bail reform hang in the balance. 

House Bill 3, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown, seeks harsher penalties for undocumented immigrants convicted of felony crimes against minors but needs Senate committee and floor approval, plus House concurrence. 

Brown remains hopeful but is ready to refile next year, as none of the dozen Republican-backed immigration bills have passed yet. 

House Bill 304, by Rep. Jamie Kiel, would impound vehicles driven without a license, while House Bill 302, by Rep. Ben Robbins, mandates E-Verify for labor brokers hiring six or more foreign workers. Both await Senate votes and possible House concurrence.

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter predicts the session may end by May 8, with Tuesday focused on pushing House bills before shifting to Senate bills Thursday. 

House Bill 42, Rep. Chris England’s bail reform to let judges accept partial bail payments, passed the House but awaits a Senate committee vote. 

The bail industry opposes it, citing public safety and revenue losses. 

Senate Bill 254, by Sen. Merika Coleman, extends the statute of limitations for certain sex offenses to 36 years but faces a tight path through the Senate and House. 

House Bill 265, by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, enhancing penalties for resisting arrest causing injury, is closer to passage, needing only Senate approval. 

Despite Democratic pushback, Ledbetter sees a smooth finish, though a veto could delay the session to May 13.