In April, administration officials vowed to sign trade deals with as many as 90 countries in 90 days. The ambitious target came after Mr. Trump announced, and then rolled back a portion of, steep tariffs that in some cases meant import taxes cost more than the wholesale price of a good itself.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said Germany, Europe's largest economy, was ready to take over a greater leadership role on future trade agreements as the United States and the EU race to reach a trade deal before a July 9 deadline.

Veteran broadcaster Chuck Todd, who left NBC News earlier this year, claimed that his car tires were slashed after President Trump criticized him during his previous White House stint, and that others have increased security due to the threats from the president's supporters.