TRUMP CALLS XI ‘TOUGH NEGOTIATOR’ AT FIRST MEETING SINCE 2019 U.S. President Donald Trump described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “tough negotiator” as they met for the first time since 2019. “He’s a tough negotiator. That’s not good,” Trump said during a brief photo opportunity where the two leaders shook hands. Trump added, “We’ve always had a great relationship,” suggesting a trade deal could be signed soon. After the brief exchange, the pair moved to a private meeting.(*Walter Bloomberg)