As panics, Trump swings into the weekend with a smile.
On a day when markets crashed and global investors were left staring at their screens in horror, U.S. President Donald Trump was spotted cruising toward a round of golf at his luxurious Mar-a-Lago club in Florida — completely unbothered.
The financial bloodbath began Friday morning after China delivered a sharp retaliation to Trump’s aggressive tariff policy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged over 1,600 points, recording a stunning 4% drop. The tech-heavy Nasdaq nose-dived by 5.3%, while the S&P 500 slumped 4.7%, marking one of the worst trading days in recent months.
Yet, Trump had a different take.
“This is a great time to be rich,” he posted on his social media platform Truth Social, before heading to play golf in his signature red cap and white polo T-shirt. As if the crash didn’t exist.
Markets Crumble, Retirement Dreams Shake
This marks the second consecutive day of steep losses on Wall Street, rattling not just investors but everyday Americans. With retirement funds, college savings, and mutual investments tied to the market, the effects are rippling far beyond Manhattan’s skyscrapers.
Financial experts are raising red flags. The tariffs imposed by Trump — once touted as a “protective shield for American jobs” — are now being seen as a tax on the common man. Analysts warn that household spending could increase by thousands of dollars annually, pushing the average consumer closer to a financial cliff.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell also issued a sober warning. “These tariffs are much bigger than expected,” he said. “The risk of long-term inflation is very real.”
And with inflation fears comes the dreaded “R” word — recession. It’s looming again.
Trump’s Take: Pain Now, Gain Later
But Trump is doubling down. In his words, the economic pain is “necessary” to bring manufacturing jobs back to America.
“I’m doing what’s right for the country,” he said on Truth Social. He even shared a trending TikTok video that humorously suggested he’s deliberately crashing the stock market to force the Fed to lower interest rates — a move that could juice the economy just in time for election season.
“It’s time to cut interest rates, Jerome. Stop being politickers,” Trump wrote, taking aim at the Fed chief.
From Golf Tournaments to Candlelight Dinners
While global markets churn, Trump’s schedule remains light. After golfing on Friday morning, he plans to attend a candlelight dinner organized by his political group, Make America Great Again Inc. The evening event is expected to attract donors, loyalists, and possibly some deep-pocketed supporters from recent Saudi-sponsored tournaments.
Just a day earlier, Trump was seen at a Miami golf tournament sponsored by Saudi Arabia, further highlighting his unusual calm amid a brewing economic storm.
Public Sentiment: Mixed, But Tense
The sharp contrast between Trump’s relaxed appearance and the chaos in the markets hasn’t gone unnoticed. Some supporters were seen cheering him on the road, waving enthusiastically as he passed. But on social media, critics are calling out the “disconnect” between the former president’s luxurious lifestyle and the financial stress experienced by millions.
One viral comment read: “The market’s burning, and Trump’s out there teeing off like it’s just another sunny day in Florida.”
Final Thought: The Calm Before a Bigger Storm?
While Trump maintains his defiance and optimism, the market has entered fragile territory. Investors are now watching the Fed’s next move with bated breath. Will Powell buckle under pressure and cut rates? Or will inflation fears keep interest rates high?
For now, one thing is clear: Trump’s not losing sleep over Wall Street’s slump — but the rest of the world just might.
