Trump has been saying for months that he would make a decision on whether or not to impose tariffs on an additional $300 billion in Chinese goods after the G-20 summit later this month, but that may no longer be the case.
As recently as last week, Trump also said he would immediately impose tariffs if Chinese President Xi Jinping did not meet with him at the G-20 summit, but Trump now says there is no deadline.
Asked if he had a deadline for China to make progress towards a deal before facing the further penalty, Trump said no.
“I have no deadline,” he told a news conference, gesturing to his head. “My deadline is what’s up here. We’ll figure out the deadline. Nobody can quite figure it out.” [...]
“I think that we’ll end up making a deal with China. We have a very good relationship, although it’s a little bit testy right now, as you would expect. I think they really have to make a deal.”
It's impossible to say whether this is an indication that Trump will kick the can down the road and won't impose more tariffs later this month, or if he was just popping off. Or maybe he literally couldn't remember.
It is fitting that Trump gestured toward his head before saying his deadline is "what's up here" because we know his emotional whims are what will ultimately make the decision for him.
I think we know there will be no deal between China and the Trump regime so the real question is how far Trump is willing to go.