Trump's "Taco Trade" Response Fuels Viral Meme Frenzy

Donald Trump's "Taco Trade" Controversy: A Case Study in Political Reaction and Viral Memes. On May 30th, 2025, the term "Taco Trade," coined by Robert Armstrong of the Financial Times, went viral after Donald Trump reacted to it on social media and in a press conference. Armstrong's term describes Trump's perceived habit of backing down from tariff threats. Trump's response, filled with anger and denial, only fueled the spread of the term and led to a flood of memes and satirical videos. The incident highlights the power of concise, impactful language in shaping public discourse and the rapid spread of information in today's digital age. "It's called negotiation," Trump stated, seemingly dismissing the criticism. However, his reaction unintentionally amplified the narrative surrounding his trade policies.