Trump erupts after reporter mocks him…
Tensions Flare at Trump Press Conference
During a White House press conference on May 28, President Donald Trump was caught off guard by a sharp question referencing a new nickname coined by traders: T.A.C.O.—short for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” The phrase, first used by Financial Times journalist Robert Armstrong, mocks Trump’s pattern of making tough tariff threats before backing down. CNBC’s Megan Casella confronted Trump, asking, “They’re saying ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’ on the tariff threats and that’s why markets are higher this week. What’s your response to that?”
Tariff Strategy or Retreat?
The nickname stems from Trump’s repeated delays on tariffs. A planned 50% tariff on EU imports was postponed from June 1 to July 9. Similarly, on May 12, a 145% tariff on Chinese goods was frozen for 90 days. While these moves calmed investors and boosted markets, critics say they reflect inconsistency. Trump disagreed: “It’s called negotiation. You set a number… if I set a number at a ridiculous high, I go down a little bit… But don’t ever say what you said. That’s a nasty question.”
A President Unamused
Trump clearly didn’t appreciate the joke. Confused at first—“I kick out?”—he became visibly upset once Casella clarified: “Chicken out.” He snapped, “I’ve never heard that,” and rebuked her: “Don’t ever say what you said. That’s a nasty question.”
