Trump says August 1 tariff deadline is firm, hours after saying it wasn't

What they're saying: "There has been no change to this date, and there will be no change. In other words, all money will be due and payable starting AUGUST 1, 2025 - No extensions will be granted," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Catch up quick: Trump, asked at the White House Monday night if the deadline was absolute, told reporters it was "firm but not 100% firm," depending on the kinds of offers countries made.

The big picture: The only certainty with tariffs is uncertainty.

• Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on April 2, paused them for 90 days on April 9, and then — just days ahead of the July 9 deadline — said that August 1 was going to be the new target, even as his administration insisted the deadline hadn't changed.
• In just the last 24 hours, he's formally set that deadline, then said it was flexible, then said it wasn't.

By the numbers: Stocks hit session lows following the announcement before recovering slightly.

• Consumer discretionary stocks, considered the most heavily exposed to tariff policy, also took a downturn before bouncing somewhat.

Madison Mills contributed.

Editor's note: This is a developing story and has been updated with more information.