At a White House Rose Garden press conference on May 28, President Donald Trump announced a series of increased tariffs on key global trade partners.
The move builds on a 10% baseline, with significant hikes aimed at China and the European Union. This follows a month of tense media exchanges that highlight Trump’s combative approach to both international policy and the press.
During the announcement, a reporter referenced the so-called “TACO Trade”—“Trump Always Chickens Out”—suggesting markets no longer take his threats seriously. Trump, visibly irritated, denied the term and defended his record, citing his tariff threats as successful leverage, including a scheduled EU meeting set for July. He called the reporter’s question “the nastiest I’ve ever been asked.”
Specific tariff hikes include a 34% tax on Chinese imports and a 20% increase on EU goods. Experts warn this could destabilize global trade, but Trump insisted the measures will protect U.S. industries and create jobs. “Our country was looted… that ends now,” he declared. Retail leaders like Walmart’s CEO warned, however, that prices may rise sharply.
Just weeks earlier, Trump faced heat in an ABC interview over the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Though protected by court order, Garcia was removed to El Salvador. Trump claimed he was a violent MS-13 gang member with a criminal past—claims ABC’s Terry Moran challenged.
When Moran suggested a tattoo photo was doctored and stressed the legal failure, Trump doubled down, accusing the journalist of being biased. The interview ended with the case still unresolved.
