A European Commission spokesman in Brussels declined to comment Friday on the apparent delayed entry into force of new US tariffs on imports from the European Union. He merely referred to a message posted on social networks by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič,

Hassett's statements during his interview appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press shows that the White House intends to hold steady on its tariffs even as economic data raises concerns about the impact they may have on growth, prices, and job creation as well as lasting consequences for global trade.

The US has seen a drop in markets following lower openings in Europe and Asia after the US president said he was moving forward with tariff plans.