Jessica Mendoza

So the U.S. lowered its baseline tariffs all the way back down to 10% on Chinese goods. But there's an additional 20% tariff still in place, tied to fentanyl.

So the U.S. lowered its baseline tariffs all the way back down to 10% on Chinese goods. But there's an additional 20% tariff still in place, tied to fentanyl.

Okay, so the deal gets done. And according to your reporting, Brian, a lot of the credit goes to Scott Besant. How did he wind up in that position where he has President Trump's trust to negotiate such a high-stakes deal?

Okay, so the deal gets done. And according to your reporting, Brian, a lot of the credit goes to Scott Besant. How did he wind up in that position where he has President Trump's trust to negotiate such a high-stakes deal?

Okay, so the deal gets done. And according to your reporting, Brian, a lot of the credit goes to Scott Besant. How did he wind up in that position where he has President Trump's trust to negotiate such a high-stakes deal?

Besant also worked well with U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, who was the other key figure on the U.S. side in these talks. In Geneva, Brian was able to see the dynamic between them up close.

Besant also worked well with U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, who was the other key figure on the U.S. side in these talks. In Geneva, Brian was able to see the dynamic between them up close.

Besant also worked well with U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, who was the other key figure on the U.S. side in these talks. In Geneva, Brian was able to see the dynamic between them up close.

Despite their good working relationship, the duo faced an uphill battle. Tensions with China were high, and this was the first time the two countries were officially meeting to discuss Trump's tariffs. Was it surprising that a deal got done?

Despite their good working relationship, the duo faced an uphill battle. Tensions with China were high, and this was the first time the two countries were officially meeting to discuss Trump's tariffs. Was it surprising that a deal got done?

Despite their good working relationship, the duo faced an uphill battle. Tensions with China were high, and this was the first time the two countries were officially meeting to discuss Trump's tariffs. Was it surprising that a deal got done?

How the deal went down is after the break.

How the deal went down is after the break.

How the deal went down is after the break.

Our guns are stored securely, locked in a safe that the kids can't access.

Our guns are stored securely, locked in a safe that the kids can't access.

Our guns are stored securely, locked in a safe that the kids can't access.

My colleague Brian Schwartz spent the weekend at the estate where the trade talks were happening.

My colleague Brian Schwartz spent the weekend at the estate where the trade talks were happening.

My colleague Brian Schwartz spent the weekend at the estate where the trade talks were happening.