WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on trading partners to quickly make new deals before a Wednesday deadline, with plans for the United States to start sending letters Monday warning countries that higher tariffs could kick in Aug. 1.

America is close to clinching several trade deals ahead of a July 9 deadline when higher tariffs were due to kick in, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

The United States is close to finalizing several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — Elon Musk said he’s carrying out his threat to form a new political party after his fissure with President Donald Trump, announcing the America Party in response to the president’s sweeping tax cuts law.

"I think it's ridiculous to start a third party," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey. "Starting a third party just adds to confusion... He can have fun with it,