Former President Donald Trump erupted during a White House press conference on May 28, 2025, after a reporter mentioned a new Wall Street nickname mocking his trade policies: “TACO,” an acronym for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” The term, coined by Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong, criticizes Trump’s pattern of issuing aggressive tariff threats only to later retreat when markets react negatively
Upon hearing the nickname, Trump appeared initially confused but quickly grew defensive, labeling the question as “nasty” and asserting that his actions were strategic negotiations rather than signs of weakness. He emphasized the country’s recent economic growth as evidence of his successful policies.
The “TACO” moniker gained traction among Wall Street traders and financial analysts, who observed that markets often stabilized when Trump backed down from his tariff threats. The term became a framework for predicting market movements based on Trump’s statements, blending financial strategy with political critique.
The nickname’s popularity extended beyond financial circles, with memes and social media posts mocking Trump’s perceived inconsistency. Critics, including Democratic figures, leveraged the term in publicity stunts, such as taco truck events, to highlight what they saw as weaknesses in Trump’s leadership.
Conservative media outlets and Trump allies pushed back against the nickname. On a June 3 episode of “Fox & Friends,” hosts expressed outrage over the “TACO” acronym, defending Trump as a strategic negotiator who benefits Americans despite setbacks in trade negotiations. Co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy dismissed the insult, calling Trump “the bravest man in the world.”
The Wall Street Journal, owned by Rupert Murdoch, also criticized Trump’s tariff policies in a recent editorial, stating that he overstepped his authority under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act. The Journal emphasized that the Constitution does not allow the president to bypass Congress, asserting that the court ruling reaffirms the rule of law. Trump responded with hostility, labeling the Journal a “rotten” newspaper.
The “TACO” nickname and the reactions it has provoked underscore the contentious nature of Trump’s trade policies and his often combative relationship with the media. As the term continues to circulate, it remains to be seen how it will impact Trump’s political standing and public perception
