Inside Trump’s decision to pause most tariffs — and turn up heat on China — to lock in better trade deals for US 

Diana Glebova and Steven Nelson / NEW YORK POST

The idea of scaling back eye-watering “reciprocal” tariffs rattled around in President Trump’s head for several days after the April 2 announcement — even as he told staff and reporters he was willing to go full speed ahead.

Trump dramatically ordered a 90-day pause in imposing the higher rates on most countries Wednesday — hours after they took effect — claiming dozens of nations had pleaded for a reprieve to give them a chance to buy more US goods and eliminate trade barriers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, one of Trump’s closest advisers, had nudged the president Sunday to use the 12:01 a.m. Wednesday deadline to “lock these people in” to more advantageous trade relations, an administration official told The Post.

Bessent suggested that a golden opportunity lay before Trump to permanently reform and improve conditions for US companies that manufacture and export goods overseas. Read more and see videos here.