Speaking before the Institute of International Finance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leveled criticism of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, urging them to go "back to basics" in their focus as financial institutions, but also offered support, stressing the United States' desire to continue its leadership role.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday did not back President Donald Trump's assertion that tariff talks with China were under way and said he did not know if the U.S. president had talked to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US President Donald Trump has signaled a potential U-turn on his trade war with China, saying the high tariffs on Chinese goods will “come down substantially, but it won’t be zero.”