U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred up controversy with his latest comments on tariffs, calling out those who oppose his trade policies and branding them as “PANICANS.” This term, which Trump introduced in a post on his Truth Social platform, has left many wondering about its meaning and who exactly he is targeting. The president did not clarify the definition, but many speculate it’s a combination of “panic” and “Americans,” or alternatively, “panic” and “Republicans.”
Trump has consistently defended his tariff policies, asserting that they will bring jobs and manufacturing back to U.S. shores. However, the policy has faced mounting opposition from within his own Republican Party, along with widespread criticism from Democrats and foreign leaders. Despite the backlash, Trump remains resolute, arguing that the U.S. has long been the victim of unfair trading practices and needs to take a hardline stance to level the playing field.
In his Monday post, Trump urged Americans to trust his economic vision, writing: “The United States has a chance to do something that should have been done DECADES AGO. Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!). Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!”
While Trump’s comments were shared by some of his loyal supporters, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, several prominent figures within the Republican Party have voiced strong opposition. Ben Shapiro, co-founder of the Daily Wire, criticized the tariffs on his popular podcast, warning that the economic consequences could be disastrous. He also argued that the rationale behind the tariffs was unclear and that they would not lead to the massive reshoring of manufacturing that Trump had promised.
The controversy surrounding the tariffs has intensified with warnings from key Republican figures like Texas Congressman Pete Sessions, who expressed concern that the tariffs would harm his state’s agricultural sector by making American food products less competitive. Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have also joined the chorus of opposition, along with influential figures in the business world.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election, warned that the tariffs could lead to “a self-induced, economic nuclear winter.” Even Elon Musk, one of Trump’s top allies, has reportedly lobbied the president to reconsider the tariff policies, according to sources cited by The Washington Post.
Trump’s tariff strategy, which targets nearly every country in the world, includes a 10% tariff on all nations and higher tariffs on individual countries, such as China. The threat of a 104% tariff on Chinese imports has sent shockwaves through global stock markets, which have been reeling from the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs since Trump’s announcement on April 2.
As the deadline for implementing these tariffs looms, the White House has downplayed concerns about a potential recession, sticking by the president’s plan to boost the U.S. economy and protect American jobs. However, the economic fallout from these measures continues to spark debate, with many questioning the long-term consequences for both the U.S. and the global economy.
For a deeper dive into how tariffs are reshaping global trade, be sure to check out China Retaliates Against Trump with 34% Tariff on U.S. Goods, Escalating Global Trade War and Future of Aviation Politics: Insights from Mark Dilullo and Donald Trump.
For further analysis of the global economic impacts of tariffs, check out our related article on Stock Market Roller Coaster: Analyzing Recent Trends and Global Impacts. Additionally, for insights into the political landscape and how these policies are affecting the GOP, see Trump Backs Remote Voting for New Parents, Sparking Rift Within GOP.
