Trump's 10 Most Shocking Moments in 10 Years — and How Left & Right Reacted
By Carlo Versano and Jesus Mesa
There's a viral tweet from October 2016 that has since been immortalized as a meme — meant as a kind of shorthand for when someone has a particular knack for avoiding the consequences of their actions.
The post, from the now dormant account X account @BronzeHammer, was in response to some now-forgotten mini-scandal that surrounded something Trump, then the GOP nominee for president, had just done or said.
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The original tweet, now its own entry on KnowYourMeme.com @BRONZEHAMMER / X VIA KNOWYOURMEME
Trump was, at the time of tweet, still the underdog to win the presidency. Hillary Clinton was leading by roughly six points, according to an NBC News poll conducted the last week of September. Outside the margin of error, though still just a little too close for comfort for anxious Democrats.
Around liberal America, these were the questions asked with a nervous laugh at dinner parties, in office small talk, on university campuses. Surely one of these seemingly daily controversies — some profane dig at an American war hero, some resurfaced scandal from his past — would eventually be the nail in the coffin for the Donald Trump campaign.
This guy can't really win. Right?
To note Trump's penchant to create moments so shocking it would be hard to image them happening in any other context, or with any other president, is now hack. It's the flip side of the authenticity that has powered Trump — via his supernaturally solid base of support — through so many comebacks and near misses that it's hardly even noticed when he, say, refers to the sitting governor of the country's most populous state as "scum."
On the occasion of the 10 year anniversary of the Trump Tower escalator ride that kicked off his 2016 presidential campaign and rewrote nearly everything about American politics, Newsweek is looking back at 10 of the most shocking moments of the Trump decade— and how his supporters and critics reacted at the time.
1. Campaign Kickoff Speech: 'Rapists and Criminals'
When Donald Trump launched his presidential campaign on June 16, 2015, he wasted no time stirring controversy. Speaking from the lobby of his Manhattan high-rise to announce his entry into the race, he started with the claim that Mexico was sending to the U.S. "people that have lots of problems," adding: "They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."
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"They're not sending their best," he added.
The sweeping generalization drew instant backlash—while also firing up a base of supporters, many of whom had given up on national politics, who believed they finally were seeing a candidate willing to speak uncomfortable truths.
Left-Wing Outrage: 'Appalling,' 'Offensive,' 'Shameful'
Democrats and civil rights groups quickly denounced Trump's remarks.
Hillary Clinton, speaking to a Latino advocacy group weeks later, called the comments "appalling" and "shameful." She said Trump doubled down on hate rather than apologizing when companies and public figures criticized his first speech as a candidate.
Right-Wing Response: 'Saying What Others Won't'
Some conservatives rallied behind Trump, praising him for highlighting what they saw as the forgotten issue of illegal immigration.
Senator Ted Cruz commended Trump's focus, saying, "He has a colorful way of speaking... but I salute him for highlighting the need to address illegal immigration." Cruz refused to criticize the wording, instead deflecting media attempts to pit Republicans against each other.
Conservative commentator Ann Coulter, whose book Adios, America had influenced Trump's thinking, praised the speech and referred to it proudly as "the Mexican rapists speech." For Coulter and others, the corporate fallout—Trump losing deals with NBC, Macy's and others—only cemented his image as a political outsider saying what others wouldn't.
Still, not all Republicans were on board. Senator John McCain openly criticized Trump's rhetoric, accusing him of "firing up the crazies" and damaging the GOP's relationship with Latino voters.
2. Mocking McCain's War Record: 'I Like People Who Weren't Captured'
Just a month after the "rapists and criminals" campaign kickoff speech, Trump crossed a major line for many Americans when he belittled McCain's military service. Speaking at a conservative summit on July 18, 2015, Trump dismissed McCain's status as a Vietnam War hero, saying: "He's not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured."
McCain, a Navy pilot turned respected senator who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war and was tortured during captivity, had long been considered beyond political reproach on matters of service. Trump's comment stunned the GOP—and triggered backlash across the aisle.
Trump, who avoided the Vietnam draft due to "bone spurs" in his feet, was directly taking on the former standard-bearer of his own party who served his country with distinction. Even to many Republicans, it was beyond the pale.
Late Senator John McCain
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) gestures while delivering a major policy address, July 13, 2007 in Concord, New Hampshire. He passed away in 2018, following a battle with brain cancer. Robert Spencer/Getty Images
Left-Wing Fury: 'Disgusting,' 'A Slur,' 'Sociopath'
Democrats and veterans groups wasted no time responding.
Then–Vice President Joe Biden called Trump's remark "a slur... beneath the office he seeks." Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid was more blunt, calling Trump's attitude toward POWs "disgusting" and demanding Republicans denounce him: "There is no way to defend the indefensible... this deviant – this sociopath – cannot be president."
Veterans' organizations reacted with fury. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) called Trump's comments "despicable," emphasizing that someone who never served in uniform had no standing to criticize a combat-wounded veteran.
Right-Wing Blowback: 'Disgraceful,' 'Disqualifying,' 'Beyond the Pale'
Trump's insult to McCain drew a rare show of unity among Republicans, most of whom moved quickly to condemn the statement and saw it as the beginning of the end of Trump's quixotic run.
Fellow GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry tweeted, "John McCain is an American hero... Trump's comments are disgraceful," and urged him to withdraw from the race. Senator Lindsey Graham declared, "At the heart of Trump's statement is a lack of respect for those who have served – a disqualifying characteristic to be president." Even Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus privately called Trump, asking him to tone down the rhetoric.
Jeb Bush, the GOP frontrunner, also chimed in: "Enough with the slanderous attacks... POWs have earned our respect." Talk radio figures and conservative pundits piled on as well, agreeing that Trump's swipe at McCain as crossing a line.
Still, a handful of voices held back. Ted Cruz, also running for president at the time, once again refused to criticize Trump directly. "I admire Trump's candor," Cruz said, declining to "throw rocks" at a fellow Republican.
3. The 'Access Hollywood' October Surprise
On October 7, 2016—just one month before the presidential election and a week after the infamous @BronzeHammer tweet —an 11-year-old recording of Donald Trump surfaced, sending shockwaves through an already hectic political campaign.
Caught on a hot mic during a taping of the NBC show Access Hollywood, Trump bragged to host Billy Bush about using his celebrity status to grope women: "Grab 'em by the p---y. You can do anything." He also said he could kiss women without consent because "when you're a star, they let you do it."
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Donald Trump (R) is interviewed by Billy Bush of Access Hollywood at 'Celebrity Apprentice' Red Carpet Event at Trump Tower on January 20, 2015 in New York City. Getty Images
Left-Wing Reaction: 'Cruel,' 'Frightening,' 'Disqualifying'
Democrats and women's rights groups denounced Trump's words in unambiguous terms.
Harry Reid called the tape "vile," saying Trump's comments insulted both women and veterans who fought to uphold the country's values. He described the footage as Trump "bragging about routinely sexually assaulting women."
First Lady Michelle Obama delivered one of the most memorable responses, saying the remarks "shook [her] to [her] core." In a widely shared speech, she rejected the "locker-room talk" excuse that Trump had floated. "This wasn't just locker room banter—it was cruel and frightening." Her words became a rallying cry for those demanding Trump step aside with the election fast approaching.
Representative Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats argued that Trump's behavior rendered him unfit for office. "No one should ever talk about women like that, let alone a presidential candidate," Pelosi said.
Right-Wing Response: 'Indefensible, But Not Disqualifying'
Many Republicans publicly condemned Trump's remarks but stopped short of saying he should drop out.
Paul Ryan, then the House speaker, said he was "sickened" and canceled a planned appearance with Trump. Vice presidential nominee Mike Pence called the comments "offensive" and said he "cannot defend them," but added he was praying for Trump and appreciated that Trump had apologized publicly — one of the few times he has done so.
But inside Trump's circle, loyalty held firm. Melania Trump delivered a rare rebuke of her husband's language, calling it "unacceptable," but emphasized, "This is not the man that I know." She later characterized the conversation as "boy talk" and blamed Billy Bush for encouraging it.
Pro-Trump voices like Sean Hannity quickly defended the candidate. Hannity and others insisted the tape was being "overplayed" by the media and Clinton campaign for political advantage. Many supporters accepted Trump's apology and shifted attention to past allegations against Bill Clinton—a counteroffensive that reached its nadir when Trump invited Clinton's past accusers as his guests to the debate.
4. Comey Abruptly Fired, Fueling Russia Probe and Obstruction Concerns
Seven months later, on May 9, 2017, Donald Trump had proven his critics wrong. He was now president. But by abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey—at a time when Comey was leading an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election — Trump set in motion forces that would trail him for the entirety of his first term.
The official explanation for firing Comey, laid out in a memo by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, focused on the FBI chief's handling of the Clinton email investigation. But Trump later admitted that "this Russia thing" was on his mind when he made the call.
trump james comey
Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with James Comey, former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), during an Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House... More Andrew Harrer-Pool/Getty Images
Left-Wing Reaction: 'Nixonian,' 'Shocking,' 'A Cover-Up in Plain Sight'
Democrats saw the move as a brazen attempt to derail the Russia probe.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded answers: "Why now?" He noted that the White House had expressed frustration with Comey for months but waited until the Russia investigation was heating up to act. Schumer and others questioned whether the probe was getting too close for comfort.
Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy called the firing "shocking" and likened it to Richard Nixon's infamous "Saturday Night Massacre." He said Trump's explanation was "absurd" and warned the decision sent a "chilling signal" to the FBI and anyone pursuing an independent investigation into the Trump campaign. Democrats quickly demanded a special counsel—pressure that led to Robert Mueller's appointment just days later.
Right-Wing Reaction: 'Awkward Timing, But Within Trump's Rights'
Republican leaders offered a more cautious response—concerned about optics, but largely supportive of Trump's authority to fire Comey.
Paul Ryan said Trump had made "a presidential decision" and emphasized that top Justice Department officials had also lost confidence in Comey. He dismissed calls for an independent prosecutor, saying it wasn't necessary.
Still, some GOP lawmakers admitted the firing looked suspicious. North Carolina Senator Richard Burr, who chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee, called the timing "troubling." Louisiana Senator John Kennedy noted the move was "less than impeccable." Even Trump allies conceded it didn't look good.
But most Republicans stopped short of rebuking the president. Mitch McConnell opposed launching new investigations, arguing it would only "impede" existing ones.
5. 'Very Fine People on Both Sides': Charlottesville Remarks Spark Moral Outrage
On August 15, 2017, Trump ignited national outrage during an off-the-cuff press conference at Trump Tower. Speaking in the aftermath of a violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia—where neo-Nazis and far-right extremists clashed with counter protesters and one woman, Heather Heyer, was killed—Trump placed "blame on both sides."
"There were very fine people on both sides" of the protests, Trump said, while insisting that "not all of those people were neo-Nazis." He did condemn white nationalists later in his remarks, but quickly pivoted to criticize what he called the "alt-left," equating those who marched against hate groups with those who marched for them.
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President Donald Trump arrives to make a statement on the violence this past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia at the White House on August 14, 2017, in Washington, D.C. New York Times op-ed contributor Wajahat Ali... More Chris Kleponis-Pool/Getty Images
Left-Wing Response: 'No Moral Equivalency,' 'Stain on the Nation'
Democrats and civil rights leaders denounced Trump's comments as dangerous and shameful.
Joe Biden, writing in an op-ed, accused Trump of drawing a line between white supremacists and anti-racist activists "and placing them on the same moral footing." He called it "a stain on America." Biden would later say it was this event that led to his campaign for the presidency in 2020.
Nancy Pelosi condemned Trump's words as "outright sympathy with white supremacists" and described his remarks as a "disgraceful, shameful missing of the point." Civil rights groups like the NAACP and Anti-Defamation League said Trump had emboldened hate groups.
A majority of House Democrats soon backed a resolution formally condemning Trump's handling of the Charlottesville protests.
Right-Wing Reaction: 'Moral Ambiguity When Clarity Was Needed'
Even many Republicans broke ranks to criticize Trump.
"There is no moral equivalency between Nazis and those who oppose them," said Senator John McCain, capturing a broad sentiment across the political left. Speaker Paul Ryan tweeted, "White supremacy is repulsive... there can be no moral ambiguity."
Senator Marco Rubio—now serving as Trump's Secretary of State—said there was only one side to blame: "The organizers of the rally." He called Trump's reversal "unacceptable" and criticized the president for walking back his initial condemnation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stressed that "there are no good neo-Nazis," while Senator Lindsey Graham warned that Trump's comments were "dividing Americans" at a time when unity was needed.
White House economic adviser Gary Cohn, who had stayed silent through previous controversies, later cited Trump's Charlottesville remarks as the reason for his resignation.
Despite the widespread backlash, Trump's far-right supporters applauded his refusal to directly condemn the white nationalist presence. Former KKK leader David Duke thanked Trump "for your honesty and courage," and white nationalist groups openly embraced the "very fine people" remark as validation.
Trump later defended the remarks, saying he "answered perfectly," while the "very fine people" incident has been codified in MAGA lore as a "media hoax."
6. Paper Towel Toss in Puerto Rico: A Crisis Turned Photo-Op
At a relief center in San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 3, 2017—two weeks after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island—Trump stood before a crowd of storm survivors and began tossing rolls of paper towels into the crowd, grinning as if he were shooting hoops. Cameras captured the moment, which immediately went viral.
Trump paper towels Puerto Rico
President Donald Trump tosses paper towels into a crowd at Calvary Chapel in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Oct. 3, 2017. AP/Evan Vucci
Left-Wing Reaction: 'An Embarrassment,' 'Lack of Empathy,' 'Distasteful Theater'
Democrats and Puerto Rican officials blasted Trump's conduct as insensitive and performative.
San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, already locked in a public feud with Trump, called the visit "an embarrassment." She said his behavior turned disaster aid into a show: "All he was missing was a T-shirt cannon." Congressman Mark Takano tweeted that Trump's "bizarre behavior... reflects a lack of empathy & urgency that is deadly serious."
Puerto Rico's Democratic governor, Ricardo Rosselló, thanked Trump for visiting and acknowledged the federal aid being deployed—while diplomatically avoiding commenting on the paper towel spectacle.
Right-Wing Response: 'Classic Trump,' 'Clumsy, But He Showed Up'
Trump's allies tried to brush off the moment, casting it as unscripted levity rather than callousness. White House aides privately admitted to "grimaces and chuckles" over the paper towel toss but insisted the crowd enjoyed it.
7. A Covid Diagnosis and Hospitalization, Weeks Before Election Day
On October 2, 2020—just one month before Election Day and with the country in the grips of a devastating pandemic —Trump announced in a late-night tweet that he and First Lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19. Trump, who had repeatedly downplayed the virus' severity, became so ill he was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for several days before returning to the White House.
Upon his return, the president — appearing winded and likely still contagious— performatively ripped off his face mask on the Truman Balcony, and announced he was getting back to work.
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President Donald Trump takes off his facemask as he arrives at the White House upon his return from Walter Reed Medical Center, where he underwent treatment for COVID-19, in Washington, DC, on October 5. NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
Left-Wing Response: 'We Wish Him Well, But This Was Avoidable'
Democrats reacted with a mix of concern and cautionary reflection.
Joe Biden, then the Democratic nominee, tweeted a gracious note: "Jill and I pray that they recover fully and quickly." Biden even paused negative campaign ads during Trump's hospitalization. But others on the left, while oscillating between respectful and gleeful in tone, highlighted what they saw as the preventable nature of the situation.
Barack Obama wished President Trump and first lady Melania good care and "a speedy recovery." "Let me start by the way, by just stating that we're in the midst of a big political fight. And we take that very seriously," Obama said during a virtual fundraiser.
Nancy Pelosi called the diagnosis "very sad" and pointed to Trump's own behavior: "Going into crowds unmasked... was sort of a brazen invitation for this to happen." She expressed hope that it would serve as a "learning experience" for the nation.
Right-Wing Response: Prayers, Patriotism and a Comeback Narrative
The Republican response to Trump's Covid diagnosis was swift and mostly united. "We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery," tweeted Vice President Mike Pence.
Most GOP leaders offered well-wishes, though a few urged greater caution. Senator Lindsey Graham, at that point a staunch Trump ally, said the diagnosis showed Covid was "serious" and urged Americans to follow public health advice.
Mitch McConnell, a Polio survivor who exhibited much more caution with the pandemic, distanced himself from Trump's more casual approach, saying he had stayed away from the White House since early August 2020 because "their approach to how to handle this was different than mine." He noted the Senate enforced mask-wearing and social distancing.
After Trump left the hospital — a recovery made possible by an experimental monoclonal antibody treatment not available to most Americans at the time — his supporters celebrated his seemingly miraculous return to health. Conservative host Mark Levin said, "He beat it like a champ." Fox News praised his toughness, and Trump told Americans not to let the virus "dominate" their lives.
8. Pressure on Pence to Overturn Election
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A screenshot of Donald Trump's Twitter account on Jan. 6, 2021. @realDonaldTrump
In the weeks after losing the 2020 election, Trump launched a last-ditch campaign to stay in power. He focused his hopes on January 6, 2021—the day Congress was set to certify the Electoral College results. Central to that effort was Vice President Mike Pence.
Despite having no legal authority to discard votes, Trump insisted Pence could reject electors from key swing states won by Joe Biden. He repeated the claim publicly and privately, urging Pence to "do the right thing." Pence refused. Hours later, rioters stormed the Capitol.
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Trump supporters clashing with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Brent Stirton/GETTY
Left-Wing Response: 'A Seditious Threat,' 'An Attempted Coup'
Democrats, as well as many Republicans and even non-political American citizens, responded to scenes unfolding at the Capitol with fury and alarm, calling Trump's actions an assault on the Constitution.
Nancy Pelosi said the president had "incited an armed insurrection against America," while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer labeled Trump "a seditious threat." Both called for Trump's immediate removal—either via the 25th Amendment or through impeachment. "The President's abuse of power... is a manifestly impeachable offense," Schumer said.
One week later, Trump was impeached for a second time—this time on a charge of inciting insurrection.
Right-Wing Response: Pence Upholds Constitution, But Divides the Party
Vice President Pence formally rebuffed Trump in a letter to Congress issued on the afternoon of January 6. "My oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority," he wrote. He reminded Americans that the vice president's role in the certification process is "largely ceremonial."
His decision drew quiet relief from many Republicans. Mitch McConnell praised Pence for following the law. Even Lindsey Graham agreed, saying, "Mike Pence has to just follow the Constitution—he can't do what's being asked."
Representative Liz Cheney, among the elected Republicans to speak out forcefully against the president, called Trump's pressure campaign and the violence it unleashed "the greatest betrayal by a President of the United States." Even House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy acknowledged that Pence "did his duty and followed the Constitution."
Trump and Pence remain estranged over the events of that day. At the morning rally, Trump warned he'd be "very disappointed" if Pence failed to stop the count. After the Capitol was sacked, Trump's loyalists never forgave the former VP. While the party's establishment largely accepted Pence's decision, the rift with Trump's base has remained a fault line in GOP politics ever since.
9. Zelensky Meltdown: Oval Office Clash Sparks Political Firestorm
Fast forward four years, and Trump is back in the White House after completing the most remarkable political comeback in American history. A month into his second term, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House to request continued U.S. support amid the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance quickly devolved into a confrontation. Vance accused Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful and ungrateful" for U.S. military assistance, while Trump erupted at Zelensky's requests for security guarantees to go along with.
Trump abruptly canceled a planned joint press conference and working lunch, later issuing a statement that Zelenskyy was "not ready for Peace if America is involved." Zelensky left the White House early, without signing a highly anticipated rare-earth minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine (a version of the deal would later be signed by both parties).
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky
President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 28, 2025. SAUL LOEB/Getty Images
Left-Wing Reaction: 'Embarrassment,' 'Putin's Victory,' 'A Diplomatic Collapse'
Democrats and left-leaning officials condemned Trump's handling of the meeting as a diplomatic failure, a public sandbagging of a wartime ally and a gift to the Kremlin.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vance of "doing Putin's dirty work," arguing that the chaotic Oval Office exchange had directly undermined Ukraine's war effort. Representative Jesús "Chuy" García called it "truly shameful conduct that the world is seeing," criticizing both Trump and Vance for publicly antagonizing Zelensky.
Representative Mike Lawler added that the public nature of the fallout was deeply damaging. "Having this spill out into public view was a disaster," he said. "Sadly, the only winner today is Vladimir Putin."
The New York Times described the moment as evidence of Trump's willingness to dismantle long-standing U.S. alliances, stating the meeting had "shattered" a three-year wartime partnership with Kyiv. Across Democratic circles, the "Zelensky meltdown" was framed as a low point in American diplomacy.
Right-Wing Reaction: Zelensky's Fault, Trump's Strength, and a Divided GOP
On the right, reactions were split—but most Republicans directed blame at Zelensky rather than Trump.
Lindsey Graham, usually a staunch Ukraine supporter, criticized Zelensky's tone and approach, saying he "needs to either resign or change" and had "made it almost impossible to sell to the American people that he's a good investment." On Fox News, Graham said Zelensky appeared to have "a chip on his shoulder" and suggested he apologize to Trump for disrespecting the president in his home.
Representative Don Bacon described the event as "a bad day for America's foreign policy" but agreed that Zelensky's behavior had hurt his case. Other congressional Republicans echoed that sentiment, maintaining that while the optics were unfortunate, Trump had responded reasonably.
Trump's closest allies went further, celebrating the clash. White House adviser Stephen Miller called the confrontation "one of the great moments in the history of American diplomacy," claiming it had made "millions of American hearts swell with pride."
10. Liberation Day: Tariff Blitz Sparks Cheers, Panic, and a Market Meltdown
On April 2, Trump stood in the Rose Garden and declared it "Liberation Day in America." Framed as a reset of decades of global trade policy, the announcement of so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on dozens of countries, including longstanding allies — and based on questionable math — was central to Trump's nationalist economic agenda. But the announcement triggered immediate turmoil in financial markets, with Wall Street shedding trillions in value amid fears of a global trade war.
Unlike many of the other moments on this list, the Liberation Day fallout was more than just a case of "Trump being Trump" — it affected Americans directly via their retirement accounts and investment portfolios. While the markets have since recovered, the on-again, off-again tariff policy has led to deep concerns about the U.S. economy's ability to withstand a prolonged stand-off with major trading partners like China.
President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a chart while speaking during a “Make America Wealthy Again” trade announcement event in the Rose Garden at the White House on April 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Touting... More Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Left-Wing Reaction: 'Recession Day,' 'Economic Self-Harm,' 'The Whims of a Mad King'
Democratic leaders and liberal economists pounced, warning that Trump's "Liberation Day" would unleash economic pain, and not the prosperity he promised.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called it "Recession Day in the United States of America," accusing Republicans of "crashing the American economy in real time." In the Senate, Chuck Schumer condemned the tariffs as a "job-killing, cost-increasing tax" on working families, estimating it could add over $6,000 annually in household costs.
Top Democrats urged Republican defections. "We need everyone, especially [Republicans], to stand up against these senseless tariffs," Schumer implored.
Economists reinforced the warnings. Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi projected an imminent recession lasting into 2026, with GDP contraction and unemployment surging past 7 percent. Even Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned the tariffs could slow growth and reignite inflation.
Right-Wing Reaction: 'America First Economics,' 'Common Sense,' and MAGA Celebration
Trump's allies celebrated "Liberation Day" as a landmark win for U.S. sovereignty and blue-collar revival.
"The days of the U.S. being taken advantage of are OVER!" declared Florida Senator Rick Scott. "Buy MADE IN AMERICA," he added, urging patriotism in consumption. Senator Tommy Tuberville heralded a new "Golden Age" of the American economy, while House Majority Leader Steve Scalise praised Trump for "leveling the playing field."
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called the tariffs proof that the U.S. "will no longer be taken advantage of," applauding Trump for "standing up for our workers." Dozens of Republicans echoed the message online and in media appearances, insisting the measures would force foreign governments to cut their own tariffs and treat U.S. producers fairly.
"This isn't starting a trade war," said Rep. Brian Babin. "It's ending one." Rep. Lisa McClain added, "Tariffs work!" and called the strategy long overdue.
But behind the MAGA enthusiasm, cracks appeared. A handful of establishment Republicans—Senators Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul—voiced concern, criticizing the sweeping scope and the targeting of close allies. Trump swiftly lashed out, labeling them "extremely difficult" and "unbelievably disloyal."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a former head of the Department of Government Efficiency and Trump's top campaign donor, also said he opposes high or unpredictable tariffs but added the decision is "entirely up to the president of the United States."
Musk later had a public rupture with Trump that was triggered, in part, by Musk predicting the tariffs would cause a recession.
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