Fox Host Accuses Reporters of Taunting Donald Trump With Four-Word Jibe

Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo has criticized political reporters for using a phrase she says is meant to provoke former President Donald Trump. The phrase “Trump Always Chickens Out,” shortened to “TACO,” has recently reappeared in market conversations. It is used by some traders and commentators to mock Trump’s approach to trade negotiations. The term has been around since Trump’s presidency, but it gained renewed attention during a recent White House event.

The controversy began when CNBC reporter Megan Cassella mentioned the term “TACO” during a press interaction with Trump in the Oval Office. This moment drew criticism from Bartiromo, who discussed the issue on her show Mornings with Maria. During an interview with Kevin Hassett, the Director of the White House National Economic Council, Bartiromo accused the media of using the phrase to irritate the former president. She suggested that reporters know the phrase is triggering and are using it to get a reaction from Trump.

In response, Hassett defended Trump’s trade actions and focused on the results of the administration’s economic policies. He pointed to symbols of support found in the Oval Office, such as hats with pro-Trump messages, as a sign that the president is not backing down. He insisted that Trump’s strategies led to real gains for the U.S. economy, especially in trade deals with countries like China and Mexico.

The phrase “Trump Always Chickens Out” has been part of informal financial slang used by some traders. It is intended as a joke but also serves as criticism of Trump’s past moves to scale back or delay tough trade measures. Critics say Trump often started strong in negotiations but softened his stance under pressure from markets or business leaders. Supporters argue that this flexibility was a strength, not a weakness, and helped avoid unnecessary economic harm.

This recent focus on the phrase has sparked a larger debate about media behavior and political bias. Conservative figures like Bartiromo argue that some journalists use language designed to embarrass or provoke politicians they oppose. They say this is especially true in Trump’s case, where many reporters have shown open hostility since his first campaign in 2016. Others defend reporters’ questions as fair and part of holding powerful figures accountable.

Trump’s trade policies were a central part of his presidency. He imposed tariffs on China, renegotiated NAFTA into the USMCA, and took a confrontational stance with the European Union and other trading partners. His administration claimed these actions protected American industries and jobs. Opponents warned that the tariffs led to higher costs for consumers and strained global supply chains.

Despite the mixed results, Trump’s economic agenda remains popular among his base. His supporters view him as a leader who stood up for American workers and was not afraid to challenge global norms. The debate over the “TACO” phrase shows that Trump’s trade legacy still sparks strong opinions on both sides.

This latest incident adds to ongoing tensions between Trump, the media, and financial commentators. It also shows how even a joke or acronym can become a flashpoint in the political and economic debate. As Trump remains a central figure in U.S. politics and possibly prepares for another campaign, similar confrontations with the media are likely to continue.