Despite Trump’s confidence, sources say panic is building inside the White House. Several officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, pushed for a smaller, more structured plan. Trump ignored the – and caused a new
markets meltdown.
Insiders told Politico that staffers are scrambling to keep up. “No one knows what the f*** is going on,” one close ally said. Policy decisions appear to change by the hour.
Even Trump’s closest advisors admit the president is unpredictable. Earlier this week, he blindsided them with a surprise 25 percent auto tariff. The White House had to scramble to formalize the order and adjust the afternoon schedule.
Consumers Could Pay the Price
Economists say Trump’s tariffs would likely hit consumers hard. Prices for cars, groceries, and household items could spike. Corporate profits may shrink, job growth may slow, and foreign retaliation could follow.
While Trump insists higher prices will push Americans to “buy American,” critics say that change won’t happen overnight. Building new factories and supply chains could take years.
On Saturday, Trump brushed off concerns. “I couldn’t care less,” he told NBC News when asked about rising car prices. “Let them raise prices. People will buy American cars. We’ve got plenty.”
Markets Meltdown: Uncertainty Reigns With No Clear Details
Even with less than a week to go, basic questions remain unanswered. Which countries will face tariffs? Which products are affected? No one knows.
Trump himself hinted that over $1 trillion in trade could be targeted. But in the next breath, he said he might offer “a lot of countries breaks.” Earlier in the week, he vowed that “every country will be hit.”
The mixed signals have left foreign governments, analysts, and corporations in chaos. Many don’t know whether to brace for impact or wait for exemptions.
Markets Meltdown Could Get Worse
As Wall Street reels, investors are moving their money into gold and bonds. Faith in the stock market is waning fast. The National Federation of Independent Business warned that the uncertainty is already hurting small business confidence.
White House officials have quietly tried to calm nerves. They’ve told business leaders and lawmakers that a clearer policy is coming. But after Monday’s crash, those promises ring hollow.
Trump’s tariff threats have already caused the S&P to lose all gains made since Election Day. If the final version of the plan hits as hard as expected, the “Markets Meltdown” could spiral into something far worse.