WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump didn’t hold back on Wednesday when a reporter implied that markets were calm because investors believe he backs down from tough tariff talk. In a direct and unapologetic exchange, Trump defended his bold trade policy, reminding Americans that strength—not surrender—is what drives results.
During an Oval Office press event following the swearing-in of Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington, CNBC correspondent Megan Casella asked whether Wall Street believed Trump “always chickens out” on tariffs. Her question referenced a financial term making rounds among analysts: “TACO,” short for “Trump Always Chickens Out.”
President Trump called the question “nasty” and made it clear that there is nothing soft about his strategy.
“Chicken out? I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous,” Trump shot back. “I dropped China’s tariffs from 145% to 100% to get them to open up. I gave the EU a 50% tariff, and they begged to negotiate. That’s how you win for America.”
America’s Comeback Under Trump’s Bold Trade Leadership
President Trump reminded the press that just six months ago, under failed globalist policies, the U.S. economy was faltering. But since taking strong action on trade, the markets have surged and global confidence has returned.
“Six months ago, this country was stone-cold dead,” Trump said. “Now, we’re booming. It’s called negotiation, and I won’t apologize for putting America First.”
After launching a sweeping 10% baseline tariff on all imports this past April—what he proudly called “Liberation Day”—Trump introduced higher custom rates on countries not aligned with American economic interests. While the initial move rattled markets, they rebounded swiftly after Trump offered a pause for good-faith negotiations.
Deals in Motion: U.S. Strikes Tough Bargains With China and Europe
Since then, Trump’s team has struck an initial agreement with China, temporarily reducing tariffs to around 30% during ongoing talks. The administration is also actively working with the European Union, extending its tariff deadline to July 9 following a call with EU President Ursula von der Leyen.
“We’ve got $14 trillion ready to invest in the U.S. economy. Under Biden, there was nothing but decline,” Trump noted. “Even the King of Saudi Arabia told me: ‘You’ve got the hottest country in the world right now.’”
WATCH:
You can’t make this up:
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) May 28, 2025
A reporter just asked President Trump about the “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out) trade.
This is based on an increasingly popular Wall Street view of buying stocks after Trump tariff headlines with the assumption that Trump will “chicken out” and stocks… pic.twitter.com/uC1Mbx4cNe
Pro-America Tariffs Backed by Results
The Trump administration continues to defend American jobs through tough, fair tariffs—25% on autos, aluminum, and steel from non-compliant trade partners, alongside 10% baseline rates on all imports and targeted 30% tariffs on China.
These America First policies are restoring domestic manufacturing, securing fair trade, and putting American workers first. President Trump made it clear: this is about strength, not appeasement.
“We’re respected again. We’re winning. And I’m not backing down,” he said.
✅ The Bottom Line for American Voters
President Trump’s tariff strategy is not just talk—it’s delivering real results. After years of weak leadership, America is finally back on top. Our economy is thriving. Our workers are protected. And our leader is unafraid to stand tall for U.S. interests.
Want to see America continue to win on the world stage? Keep supporting strong leadership that fights for YOU.