Trump’s ‘TACO’ Trade Tactics: From Wall Street Jokes to Policy Jitters

By Aiden Sage | May 30, 2025

📺 The Viral Moment

During a White House press briefing, CNBC correspondent Megan Cassella confronted President Trump about the term “TACO”—an acronym for “Trump Always Chickens Out”—used by Wall Street analysts to describe his pattern of announcing tariffs and then retreating. Trump reacted sharply, calling it a “nasty question” and defending his actions as strategic negotiation. (Source)

📈 Market Reactions

The term “TACO” gained traction after Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong highlighted it in a podcast, noting Trump’s habit of backing down from aggressive tariff threats. The phrase quickly spread, leading to a surge of memes and discussions online. (Source)

💬 Public Discourse

Late-night hosts and social media users seized on the “TACO” acronym, creating a wave of satirical content. Jimmy Kimmel, for instance, mocked the president’s reaction, highlighting the spread of taco-themed memes. (Source)

🔍 Aiden Sage Insight

The “TACO” incident underscores the power of language in political discourse. A simple acronym, born from financial commentary, managed to pierce the presidential narrative, revealing sensitivities and prompting widespread public engagement.

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