Donald Trump’s allies, supporters and donors, sound off on tariff war

President Trump’s tariff war has created a significant stir among some of his closest advisers and supporters, urging him to put an end to the trade crusade that has caused turmoil in the global economy. Notable figures such as Ben Shapiro, Rich Lowry, Ben Domenech, and the Wall Street Journal editorial page have all voiced their concerns about the tariffs. Even wealthy donors like Ken Langone, co-founder of Home Depot, have criticized the tariffs, citing the 46 percent levy on Vietnam as an example of the negative impact. Langone expressed his fear of a trade war that could have severe consequences.
Billionaire hedge fund investor Bill Ackman also warned of the negative repercussions of the tariffs, stating that the consequences for the country and its citizens would be severely negative. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon added that while it remains uncertain whether the tariffs will cause a recession, they will undoubtedly slow down economic growth.
Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur, initially privately advised President Trump against imposing high tariffs. Now, Musk has publicly advocated for a zero-tariff situation between Europe and the United States to promote free trade. Musk has also criticized Peter Navarro, a strong supporter of tariffs within the White House, calling him names and questioning his judgment.
The ongoing tariff war has led to significant market volatility, with the Dow dropping by 320 points after an initial rebound rally. The escalating tensions with China, the United States’ biggest adversary, have further exacerbated the situation. Despite calls for a negotiated settlement from 70 countries, President Trump has shown no inclination to back down from his tariff policies.
Media blunders have also played a role in fueling market volatility, with erroneous reports from news outlets causing sudden market movements. The media’s role in disseminating accurate information during such critical times has come under scrutiny, with calls for more responsible reporting.
As the tariff war continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether President Trump will heed the calls of his advisers and supporters to end the trade crusade. The potential consequences of prolonged tariffs on the global economy are significant, and finding a resolution to the current trade disputes is crucial for restoring stability and growth.