“T.A.C.O.” Trigger: Trump Explodes Over Mocking Acronym in Tense White House Briefing
What started as a routine White House press briefing on May 28 quickly turned into a political flashpoint—one that spiraled from economic policy to personal insult in a matter of seconds.
With the usual air of scripted diplomacy, reporters lined up their questions. But a single phrase—clever, cutting, and heavily loaded—set President Donald Trump off, reigniting his long-running feud with the press in spectacular fashion.
Now deep into his second term, President Trump is no stranger to pressroom fireworks. But this moment hit a different nerve.
Markets Rally, Critics Mock—and a New Nickname Emerges
The U.S. economy remains on edge as Trump continues to roll out volatile trade policies, including sweeping executive orders and hefty international tariffs. Though some major firms—Walmart, Apple, and others—have felt the sting, Wall Street has lately begun to recover, in part due to a growing belief that Trump’s tariff threats are more bark than bite.
That perception has taken on a nickname among traders: T.A.C.O. — short for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” Coined earlier this month by Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong, the acronym pokes fun at Trump’s tendency to back off aggressive tariff hikes after issuing stern warnings.
So when CNBC journalist Megan Casella brought it up directly during the May 28 press conference, she lit a fuse.
The Moment It All Unraveled
Casella’s question was razor-sharp:
“They’re calling you ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’ on tariffs—that’s why markets are rallying. What’s your response?”
At first, Trump misheard. “I kick out?” he asked, puzzled. When Casella clarified—“Chicken out”—his expression darkened.
“I’ve never heard that,” Trump said, his voice tight.
Then came the outburst.
“That’s a nasty question,” he snapped. “It’s called negotiation. You start high. 145% tariff—sure—but we weren’t doing business anyway. That’s leverage. That’s how you make deals. Don’t ever say that again.”
He didn’t stop there.
“Six months ago, this country was stone-cold dead. And now you come in here asking something like that?”
It was vintage Trump—combative, unscripted, and unfiltered.
A Pattern Repeating Itself
This wasn’t an isolated moment. Just days earlier, on May 20, Trump clashed with a journalist from nonprofit outlet NOTUS who questioned him on a stalled legislative bill and cited criticism from Rep. Andy Harris.
“Who? I don’t even know what the hell that is,” Trump said, brushing it off. “Get yourself a real job.”
These kinds of confrontations have become hallmarks of Trump’s presidency, particularly during his second term. While critics call his behavior unpresidential, his supporters see it as unvarnished authenticity. Either way, it’s clear that Trump has no intention of toning things down.
A Presidency at Odds With the Press
Trump’s second term has proven as stormy as his first, and his relationship with the press remains a central battleground. As his administration continues to reshape global trade, tensions with journalists are only escalating. In a media landscape where optics are everything, Trump’s impulsive reactions have become news in themselves.
Yet behind the headlines and hashtags, one truth is undeniable: In a presidency defined by confrontation, even a sarcastic acronym can carry the weight of a political grenade.