Trump bristles at reporter’s question on ‘TACO trade’, says his tariff moves are deliberate
At a White House press conference on Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at a reporter who questioned whether his tariff threats are credible, referencing a Wall Street acronym that has quickly gained traction—“TACO trade,” short for “Trump Always Chickens Out.”
The phrase, popularized by Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong, encapsulates a market trend where Trump’s aggressive tariff pronouncements spook investors, only for the market to rebound after he backs down. The pattern, now baked into some trading strategies, reflects a growing perception among analysts that the former president’s trade tactics are more performative than punitive.
Trump defends his tariff record as deliberate negotiation, not retreat
Visibly annoyed by the question, Trump dismissed the term and accused the press of mischaracterizing his approach. “That’s a nasty question,” he said. “I don’t chicken out. I negotiate. I get things done.”
The former president cited examples of reduced tariffs on Chinese goods and postponed duties on European imports, arguing these reversals were strategic and resulted in economic benefits. “We brought in over $14 trillion in investment,” Trump claimed, although independent analysts have not verified the figure.
TACO trade pattern boosts market bets on tariff U-turns
The timing of Trump’s tariff announcements—and subsequent walk-backs—has not gone unnoticed on Wall Street. Earlier this month, the Dow Jones surged over 700 points after Trump delayed a planned 50% tariff on EU imports, following outreach from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Traders have reportedly adjusted to this rhythm, buying on the dip when tariff threats surface and riding the recovery once Trump backs off. “It’s become a predictable trade,” said a New York-based portfolio manager. “The TACO trade is real.”
Election pressures fuel Trump’s focus on economic optics
With the U.S. election cycle intensifying, Trump’s dual messaging—tough on trade but responsive to market signals—has drawn both praise and ridicule. Supporters argue it reflects pragmatism. Critics see it as inconsistency.
Asked if the TACO label stings, Trump shrugged off the jab. “The results speak for themselves,” he said. “Call it whatever you want. We’re winning.”
The question now is whether investors will continue to bet on that pattern—or if Trump, aware of the nickname, will finally break it.
Credits: CBS News
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A former college-level cricketer and lifelong sports enthusiast, Arun Upadhayay brings the heart of an athlete to the sharp eye of a journalist. With firsthand experience in competitive sports and a deep understanding of team dynamics, Arun covers everything from grassroots tournaments to high-stakes international showdowns. His reporting blends field-level grit with analytical precision, making him a trusted voice for sports fans across New Jersey and beyond.
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