Trump’s Trade: A Year of Tacos, Tariffs and On-Camera Tantrums
Wall Street’s usual drama has returned, but this time on a return trip with extra guacamole.
Greetings to the world of Wall Street, also known as a reality show.
Economics used to be something I found very dull. When shareholders had opinions about interest rates, EPS and what a Milwaukee factory could produce by lunch?
No, we aren’t any good at it either.
Now, we have the age of Trump trade—a mix of policy, panicked actions and political messages, shaken up by unpredictable tweets and sprinkled with lawsuits, tariffs and a suspiciously large amount of salsa. This market strategy is as energetic, fun and incredible now in 2025 as it has ever been.
Greetings to the world of Wall Street, also known as a reality show.
Economics used to be something I found very dull. When shareholders had opinions about interest rates, EPS and what a Milwaukee factory could produce by lunch?
No, we aren’t any good at it either.
Now, we have the age of Trump trade—a mix of policy, panicked actions and political messages, shaken up by unpredictable tweets and sprinkled with lawsuits, tariffs and a suspiciously large amount of salsa. This market strategy is as energetic, fun and incredible now in 2025 as it has ever been.
Just What Is the Trump Trade?
Let’s look at it one step at a time. It was in 2016, when Donald Trump became president, that markets discovered that ‘tariff’ and ‘infrastructure’ could make stocks jump up as much as coffee at an event for financiers.
The strategy consisted of less taxation, lifting government regulations and lots of talk about becoming a global leader. On Wall Street, the reaction was like that of a child in a candy store—the market went wild and rushed to buy just about any familiar patriotic symbol.
Now that we are in 2025, the Trump trade is no longer about policies. It’s really a feeling. Should Trump refer to China, investors rush to a crisis response. If he makes that deal, the audience cheers. If he thinks defense is “tremendous,” those stocks sell like hotcakes on Black Friday morning.
The strategy consisted of less taxation, lifting government regulations and lots of talk about becoming a global leader. On Wall Street, the reaction was like that of a child in a candy store—the market went wild and rushed to buy just about any familiar patriotic symbol.
Now that we are in 2025, the Trump trade is no longer about policies. It’s really a feeling. Should Trump refer to China, investors rush to a crisis response. If he makes that deal, the audience cheers. If he thinks defense is “tremendous,” those stocks sell like hotcakes on Black Friday morning.
Should You Rumble Through TACOV illustrations: Have Fun or Make a Fortune?
According to the experts, it exists. It sounds crazy and it is just as crazy.
The newest chapter in our economic drama is called the TACO trade which stands for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” Let’s find out how it happens:
Whenever Trump announces new tariffs, it seems he does so by yelling.
The stock market plummets, shares remove all their gains overnight and experts are clearly distressed on live TV.
Generally, after three days, it’s either explained away, contested in court or simply switched for a new controversy.
After stocks rise again, people who bought at a low point are now able to think about getting a fourth yacht.
It’s dumb. It’s chaotic. It happens often enough that traders are including “TACO Tuesday” on their market calendars. They just happen to like glorious tacos, as well.
The newest chapter in our economic drama is called the TACO trade which stands for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” Let’s find out how it happens:
Whenever Trump announces new tariffs, it seems he does so by yelling.
The stock market plummets, shares remove all their gains overnight and experts are clearly distressed on live TV.
Generally, after three days, it’s either explained away, contested in court or simply switched for a new controversy.
After stocks rise again, people who bought at a low point are now able to think about getting a fourth yacht.
It’s dumb. It’s chaotic. It happens often enough that traders are including “TACO Tuesday” on their market calendars. They just happen to like glorious tacos, as well.
Confusion: Sifted Laws
A big part of what’s funny and frightening about the Trump trade is the continual shifts in the legal process. At some point, the courts decide that the tariffs go against the constitution. Afterwards, another group of judges decides, “It’s all good.” At the same time, major companies are stuck on whether to move their supply routes or set up their factories on huge inflatable rafts and drift them through the Pacific.
The stock market acts like an excited toddler with a sudden drop in blood sugar—you’ll spot a lot of tantrums, long daytime snoozes and bouts of energetic rushes.
The stock market acts like an excited toddler with a sudden drop in blood sugar—you’ll spot a lot of tantrums, long daytime snoozes and bouts of energetic rushes.
Economic Turmoil, Tasting a Lot Like Salsa
Now it gets more interesting.
Through all the arguments and court battles, a real economy is still doing its best to thrive. There is some inflation, the Fed says it may cut rates but isn’t too sure and other countries are asking if we’re all right.
Still, things seem to work positively for us in the Trump trade. When Trump brings up tariffs or possible trade wars, advantaged investors are clearly saying, “Hold on to my ETF” and jumping into the market confusion.
It’s turned into a game: listen for the crash, let the panic set in, ride the rebound and repeat it all until you retire (or unexpectedly burn)—that’s the stock market now.
Through all the arguments and court battles, a real economy is still doing its best to thrive. There is some inflation, the Fed says it may cut rates but isn’t too sure and other countries are asking if we’re all right.
Still, things seem to work positively for us in the Trump trade. When Trump brings up tariffs or possible trade wars, advantaged investors are clearly saying, “Hold on to my ETF” and jumping into the market confusion.
It’s turned into a game: listen for the crash, let the panic set in, ride the rebound and repeat it all until you retire (or unexpectedly burn)—that’s the stock market now.
TACO Trade: Smartphones Take the Fun to Everyone
Thanks to their favorite memes and mobile apps, retail traders have completely adopted trading the TACO way. As soon as Trump talks vaguely about possible dangers to Mexico, China or Canada, it lights up the Reddit forums. If Robinhood sends a push notification, that’s enough to yank teens away from their meals and into trading discussions.
Is it likely to go wrong? Sure. Does the theory follow logic? Not to any degree. Once it’s working, it’s like getting free nachos from a friend out of the blue.
Is it likely to go wrong? Sure. Does the theory follow logic? Not to any degree. Once it’s working, it’s like getting free nachos from a friend out of the blue.
Besides saving a marriage, where does the money go?
I can tell you from experience that some folks are doing pretty well for themselves.
Successful high-frequency traders act on Trump’s shifts in seconds before they hit the news.
With flexible practices, these companies avoid paying tariffs just like Tetris experts.
Then you have retail investors who take big risks on a few dips and end up earning enough for an additional freezer full of pizza rolls.
The main losers are… People looking to choose investments wisely by using fundamentals, logic or long-term thinking. Before the Trump trade happened, they really taught interesting things in finance school.
It’s important to note: Eating tacos might cause heartburn. For the record: this may be hilarious, but that doesn’t guarantee it’s risk-free.
Both tariff measures and outbursts from politicians can directly influence the economy. The process of moving products becomes interrupted. People see consumer prices go higher. You make your friends roll their eyes so much that they give themselves a sprain. Once the trade law ball stops bouncing throughout the court, actual tariffs could end up sticking, so we at least won’t get them revoked.
Not so much “fun taco night” but closer to “help yourself to the antacids.”
Successful high-frequency traders act on Trump’s shifts in seconds before they hit the news.
With flexible practices, these companies avoid paying tariffs just like Tetris experts.
Then you have retail investors who take big risks on a few dips and end up earning enough for an additional freezer full of pizza rolls.
The main losers are… People looking to choose investments wisely by using fundamentals, logic or long-term thinking. Before the Trump trade happened, they really taught interesting things in finance school.
It’s important to note: Eating tacos might cause heartburn. For the record: this may be hilarious, but that doesn’t guarantee it’s risk-free.
Both tariff measures and outbursts from politicians can directly influence the economy. The process of moving products becomes interrupted. People see consumer prices go higher. You make your friends roll their eyes so much that they give themselves a sprain. Once the trade law ball stops bouncing throughout the court, actual tariffs could end up sticking, so we at least won’t get them revoked.
Not so much “fun taco night” but closer to “help yourself to the antacids.”
So... Is Now the Right Time to Try This?
Should you decide to support the Trump trade, use these spicy tips:
Activate your notifications. When he talks about tariffs being tremendous or calls out China for playing games, you should check the stock market.
Always place your stop-losses after your risk is covered. The markets respond even more quickly to Trump’s news than he can put out announcements.
Diversify. It’s important to keep your risk low because you never know what can happen. In much the same way guacamole is spread, hotelier your life.
Get set for happy times and don’t be afraid of sad ones. It’s best to aim for both in one trading session.
Activate your notifications. When he talks about tariffs being tremendous or calls out China for playing games, you should check the stock market.
Always place your stop-losses after your risk is covered. The markets respond even more quickly to Trump’s news than he can put out announcements.
Diversify. It’s important to keep your risk low because you never know what can happen. In much the same way guacamole is spread, hotelier your life.
Get set for happy times and don’t be afraid of sad ones. It’s best to aim for both in one trading session.
Conclusion:
In the end, the Trump Trade hasn’t gone away completely.
Love him or not, Trump has had a big impact on finances which is, well, hilarious. Trade ideas shared by the president affect more than investors; they’ve become a way of life. An interaction between chaos and opportunities. A praise of volatility in all caps and bellowed through a loudspeaker.
So long as news about him continues, markets will likely overdramatize any changes and now and then flip out.
So get your sombrero, look at your financial paperwork and consider having some Pepto ready. The party isn’t finished yet. We haven’t even finished the beginning.
So long as news about him continues, markets will likely overdramatize any changes and now and then flip out.
So get your sombrero, look at your financial paperwork and consider having some Pepto ready. The party isn’t finished yet. We haven’t even finished the beginning.
