Trump Clashes with Reporter Over “T.A.C.O.” Nickname

During a May 28 press conference, President Donald Trump grew visibly irritated when CNBC reporter Megan Casella asked about a new Wall Street nickname mocking his trade tactics: “T.A.C.O.” — “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

The term, coined by a Financial Times columnist, refers to Trump’s pattern of making harsh tariff threats only to later delay or soften them. Examples include his decision to postpone a 50% tariff on EU goods and freeze a 145% tariff on Chinese imports.

Trump, initially confused, called the question “nasty” and defended his moves as part of negotiation strategy. “Don’t ever say what you said,” he warned the reporter.

Just days earlier, Trump had another tense moment with a reporter, telling one journalist: “Get yourself a real job.”

Now in his second term, Trump’s press interactions remain as combative as ever, especially when challenged on his policies.