Donald Trump Says He's 'Pretty Busy' With Tariffs To Buy Melania A Gift — Vows To Take Her To Dinner On Air Force One Instead

"I haven't had much time to buy presents. I've been pretty busy," President Donald Trump told journalists on Air Force One on April 25 when asked if he had a birthday gift for Melania Trump. 

Today's Best Finance Deals

Melania's 55th birthday was the following day. 

"I'll take her to dinner on the Boeing. I'll take her for dinner on Air Force One," he said this during a press gaggle en route to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral. "I haven't had much time to buy presents, no. We've been pretty busy. But it's working out, things are working out very well. People are starting to understand how good tariffs are for us."

Don't Miss:

• Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share!
• Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.

Tariffs, Dinner Plans, And Discontent

Trump's remarks came just weeks after he announced sweeping new tariffs on imports from nearly every country. 

On April 2, the administration imposed a 10% base tariff across the board, with China facing duties as high as 145%. In response, China introduced its own retaliatory tariffs of up to 125%, straining relations further.

Despite Trump's claims of progress, the White House has not disclosed any official agreements. In an interview with Time magazine this week, Trump said, "I've made 200 deals" to reduce tariffs. 

However, no specifics or involved countries were mentioned. When pressed, he added, "The deal is a deal that I choose," asserting that meetings were underway with "very friendly countries," including China.

Trending: How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you? Tax deferring is their number one strategy.

Chinese officials have contradicted Trump's assertions. According to the Financial Times, Beijing said it had not yet been part of any formal tariff negotiations but is open to future dialogue. Instead, China called on the U.S. to adopt a more respectful tone before any diplomatic progress can be made. 

Meanwhile, public opinion in the U.S. appears at odds with Trump's trade strategy. 

A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll released in April shows that just 34% of Americans support the president's approach to tariffs. A significant 64% disapprove of the policy, including 51% of Republican respondents.

See Also: Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?

The poll also revealed that Trump's broader approval rating has dipped. A New York Times/Siena College survey conducted in April shows only 42% of Americans approve of his performance. Two-thirds of respondents described his presidency as "chaotic," with Independents and even some Republicans echoing that sentiment.

Despite internal projections from his administration claiming that 90 tariff deals could be struck within 90 days, trade experts remain skeptical. 

Wendy Cutler, former acting deputy U.S. Trade Representative, told Reuters there's no chance of wrapping up comprehensive agreements in that timeframe. "Teeing up these decisions is going to take some serious negotiations," she said.

Read Next:

• Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.
• ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum.

Image: Shutterstock