Donald Trump can always come up with the best viral jabs and comebacks for people, but when it comes to naming him, he’s as furious as ever! Earlier this month, Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong introduced the acronym “TACO,” short for “Trump Always Chickens Out,” to describe a rising trading strategy based on the president’s unpredictable approach to tariffs.
Reportedly, Donald Trump always makes bold tariff threats but tends to backtrack under pressure. When asked about the nickname during a White House press briefing on May 28, Trump appeared confused at first. “I kick out?” he asked. “Chicken out,” the reporter explained.
As per The News Republic, Trump said, “Oh, isn’t that nice. ‘Chicken out.’ I’ve never heard that,” Trump replied before venturing into a defensive rant. He rejected the idea that he’s failed to follow through on trade threats, citing deals made with China (mentioning how China wanted to discuss tariffs with him after he announced his decisions) and the European Union. Later, Donald Trump asserted that the White House has committed $14 trillion to investment now, compared to former president Joe Biden, who had nothing.
He continued, “We had a country people didn’t believe would survive. And now you ask a nasty question like that?” The 78-year-old further claimed that his tariff tactics were a way to negotiate. By starting with a high number, he acknowledged he could settle on better terms, but many people disagreed with him.
Several others said Donald Trump has backed away from several major tariff threats, including on goods from Mexico, Canada, and the EU, often after encountering backlash. He also scolded the reporter and said, “Don’t ever say what you said. That’s a nasty question. To me, that’s the nastiest question.
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These new claims and the funny nickname for the MAGA believer came after he rolled out a list of high tariffs as an executive order in April 2025. As per sources, several countries made it to the list, like China, which has a whopping 145 % tariff on some goods, increasing the import price of items.
China makes up almost 80% of toy demand in the US. With 145% (which Trump reduced) tariffs, the price of toys such as dolls and games will increase. Americans will have to pay more than usual for these. Even seasonal toys for Christmas and Easter will come at higher prices. This sudden spike in prices would urge people to buy more made-in-America products.
Donald Trump declared placards listing countries and the tariffs the US would now impose on them, with another column showing what he stated these nations had previously charged the US in tariffs. From taxes starting at 10% to taxes as high as 50%, the tax bracket differed for all.
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Tom Essaye, a market expert from Sevens Report Research, said in a note that Trump usually chickens out; that’s why many countries buy stocks as soon as the former businessman announces tariffs. Because they believe he won’t go through it with them and change the numbers.
Meanwhile, as per the BBC, the US federal court has blocked Donald Trump’s tariffs by implementing an emergency law that the Trump administration used, which does not grant the president the power to impose such sweeping trade restrictions without Congressional approval.
The court, based in Manhattan, said the US Constitution gives Congress sole authority over international commerce. The ruling also halted another set of tariffs Trump reimposed on China, Mexico, and Canada upon his return to power. Immediately after the judgment, the Trump administration filed an appeal.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James, representing one of 12 states involved in the suit, praised the ruling.”The law is clear: no president can single-handedly raise taxes. These tariffs would have raised costs for families and businesses, caused more inflation, and led to job losses nationwide.”
However, Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai defended Trump’s stance and said it’s not the job of unelected judges to make decisions as a matter of national emergency. He highlighted how Donald Trump has chosen America’s well-being first before anything else, and he will continue to protect the nation and rebuild its greatness.
