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.

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

Elon Musk escalated his public attacks on President Donald Trump Monday, suggesting his administration withheld findings about the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, as their whirlwind friendship continues to devolve into a brutal back-and-forth on their respective social media platforms.

President Donald Trump blasted Elon Musk’s bid to start a new political party, as the intensifying feud between the former allies deepens concerns among investors over the implications for Tesla Inc.

President Donald Trump signs the "One Big Beautiful Bill" during a July 4th Military Family picnic. The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multi-trillion dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.