Trump responds to a reporter's question about his nickname, TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out)

Trump Claps Back at “TACO Trade” Criticism: “Me? Chicken Out? It’s called negotiating”

Former President Donald J. Trump once again showed why he's the most fearless and unfiltered political figure in America. During a press briefing that quickly turned fiery, a reporter asked Trump about the so-called “TACO” nickname—short for “Trump Always Chickens Out”—a term coined by Wall Street analysts alleging that Trump often backs off tariff threats. But instead of dodging, Trump went straight to the heart of the issue and fired back with facts.

Trump reminded the press that his administration implemented a historic tariff of 145% against China—later strategically adjusted not as a sign of weakness, but as leverage to force concessions. Far from chickening out, he recounted how the European Union begged to meet with him after he imposed a 50% tariff. “That’s not chickening out,” Trump said. “That’s winning.”

Thanks to these hardline trade tactics, Trump said the U.S. has secured over $14 trillion in investment commitments—something the Biden administration never even came close to achieving. “Six months ago, this country was dead,” Trump said, contrasting Biden’s stagnant economy with the thriving powerhouse he claims to have rebuilt.

He explained that his use of high tariff figures was part of a negotiation strategy, not a retreat. “If I say a ridiculously high number and then lower it a little... they want me to stick to 145%. Even I said: wow, that’s high!” Trump noted, adding that the figure was a result of piling on over multiple policy moves, including targeting fentanyl producers.

On China, Trump emphasized that his administration was both firm and calculated: “We were very nice to China... although I’m not sure if they’ll be nice back.” He said this combination of strength and diplomacy revived America's global standing. He even quoted the Saudi King saying: “You have the highest enterprise,” highlighting the strength of the U.S. economy under Trump’s leadership.

Trump ended the exchange by calling the reporter’s question “nasty” and reaffirmed his image as the tough negotiator who brought America back from the brink. To him, the “TACO” label is just noise from critics who fail to grasp the art of the deal. When it comes to putting America first, Trump isn’t backing down—he’s doubling down.

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