Frustrated world leaders wonder if Trump even wants a deal?

As global markets teeter, world leaders are scrambling to strike trade deals with US President Donald Trump in hopes of de-escalating tariff tensions. However, uncertainty surrounding Trump's ever-shifting demands is creating more chaos than clarity.

According to a Bloomberg report, leaders from several countries extended offers over the weekend to reduce or eliminate tariffs altogether. But it’s unclear what would satisfy Trump — or whether he’s even interested in reaching a deal.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump set a high bar, insisting any agreement must fully eliminate bilateral trade deficits.

“To me, a deficit is a loss,” he said. “We’re going to have surpluses, or at worst, we’re going to be breaking even.”

This lack of clarity is causing growing frustration, particularly among nations most affected by the new "Liberation Day" tariffs, which are set to go into effect Wednesday. The tariff formula, based on trade deficits rather than equal rates, has left many governments unsure of how to respond or protect their economies.

Vietnam, one of the hardest-hit countries facing a steep 46% tariff, even proposed removing all duties — an offer that was promptly rejected by Trump adviser Peter Navarro, a key architect of the policy. Other nations are now hoping broader negotiations might still be possible.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately comment on the issue.

Markets React: Dow Plunges 1,100 Points, S&P 500 Enters Bear Territory

Investor anxiety translated into a dramatic sell-off on Wall Street as the week kicked off. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 1,100 points, hitting a new 52-week low.

The S&P 500 followed suit, dropping below the 5,000 mark and officially entering bear market territory — signaling a 20% decline from its peak. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq, already in a bear market, fell an additional 4%, hitting a fresh 52-week low of 14,958.

Market watchers are now bracing for continued volatility as the global fallout from US trade policy unfolds.