Trump, in Gastonia: we are very close to a great deal with Mexico.

President Trump told a hangar in Gastonia, North Carolina, that the United States is “very close” to a great commercial agreement with Mexico. He was there for Michael Whatley, not for a signing. “Why should we carry Canada? Why should we carry Mexico? Although we are very close to an agreement with Mexico, a great deal.” The Politics desk files a deal announced at a Senate rally, with no paper, no date, and no Mexican at the mic.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s government has said nothing. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, after the Independence parade: “Ahí va.” Asked if the T-MEC could be signed before November, as Trump floated Tuesday: wait. “That’s his view.” The Wall Street Journal: the talks slipped a week, to Sept. 28 and 29. Trump also threatened Europe over Canada in the EU, and said the United States does not need what Mexico sells — cars, lumber, food. “We have it all.”

We’re very close to an agreement with Mexico, a great deal.

Forty-eight days to the midterms. Diesel printed $6.40 this morning. Pretend I’m on the ballot, he told Gastonia. The Politics desk files Thursday as it is: a great deal from a hangar, a secretary who will keep working, and a treaty that is not signed.