U.S. President Donald Trump described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “very tough, and extremely hard to make a deal with,” in a new post on Truth Social on June 4, 2025. The comment comes amid renewed speculation over a potential high-stakes phone conversation between the two leaders later this week.
“I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!” Trump wrote, emphasizing his long-standing rapport with Xi while also acknowledging the complexities of negotiating with him.
This statement arrives at a crucial moment. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, recently told CNBC that Trump and Xi are likely to speak “very soon,” though probably not on Monday. The call, if it takes place, would come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing, threatening to unravel a tentative trade agreement the two nations had reached just weeks ago.
The Trump-Xi dynamic remains a critical piece in the puzzle of U.S.-China relations, particularly as both sides weigh economic interests, strategic posturing, and ongoing tariff standoffs.
