Former President Donald Trump was recently derided for his complete mismanagement of international tariffs. He sparked outcry for flying people to El Salvador without due process. During a press briefing at the White House, a reporter provocatively asked Trump about being labeled a “chicken.” That was the former president’s first reaction, a testament to his sheer inability to handle such anti-Trump portrayal.
The former President’s defiance plays out on an even larger stage as he seeks to thread the needle of economic policy and legal challenges. He overstepped his authority with tariffs that a New York judicial court has ruled illegal. These imaginary tariffs have accomplished raising rates to their highest levels in over 100 years. To his credit, his administration took an aggressive stance by imposing tariffs on China. He first increased the levies to a punitive 145% before rolling them back down to 30% during a 90-day suspension. The erratic nature of the tariffs themselves has come under fire as well. This is all happening as US government borrowing costs soar, largely due to falling government bond prices.
The former president’s recent speech about tariffs has sent many a commentator into a tizzy. Often drowned out by the noise, but nonetheless bold, was his argument cutting tariffs on China would in the long run benefit the red state. Just last week, Trump promised to increase tariffs on the European Union to 50%. He has delayed their adoption until July 9.
Trump, in a clearly defensive manner, responded to the “chicken” reference at the press briefing.
“Oh isn’t that nice – ‘I chicken out.’ I’ve never heard that,” – Donald Trump
His reaction underscores his determination to counter criticism, particularly as his administration’s decisions face increased legal scrutiny and public disapproval.
Beyond these specific tariffs, Trump’s overall policy approach has resulted in major economic fallout. Only in 2025 did the S&P 500 index squeak out a return of roughly 1%. This increase occurred despite a huge loss in April from the new “liberation day” tariffs announced. This confusing pair of economic indicators beg the question of what the long-term effects of his policies will be.
Trump’s unusual love-hate bond price has been one of the bigger headlines.… He usually retreats on economic issues when bond prices start to plummet. This jump in borrowing costs for the US government comes right on the heels of those losses. This unusual but common occurrence illustrates the complicated links between Trump’s tariff decision and larger financial markets’ response.
Trump under fire, indictment but Trump remains defiant Secondly, he seems to operate on the belief that his economic policies will increase growth in the American economy. His dismissive attitude towards accusations of cowardice reflects a broader strategy of positioning himself as a decisive leader, regardless of the controversies surrounding his actions.