MAGA revolt brewing as Donald Trump's tariffs likened to 'a pile of rakes'
Washington D.C.: There is trouble brewing in MAGA paradise as President Donald Trump's tariffs spark divisions among his supporters, with many warning of a “political bloodbath” if the policy backfires.
The White House announced a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, effective April 5, with higher rates targeting countries like China (34%) and the EU (20%). Trump framed the move as a “declaration of economic independence", accusing trade partners of “ripping off” America. However, markets plunged following the announcement, with $5 trillion wiped from US stocks in just two days — the worst dollar-value drop in history.
Prominent Trump allies, including commentator Ben Shapiro, slammed the tariffs as “probably unconstitutional” and “one of the biggest tax increases on American consumers in history". On the All-In Podcast, Shapiro mocked the rollout as “a pile of rakes", citing contradictory justifications and even the absurdity of taxing the uninhabited McDonald Islands.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), a staunch Trump defender, warned that prolonged trade wars could “hurt jobs and hurt America". He criticized Republicans for reflexively backing the plan, cautioning that retaliatory tariffs might trigger a recession. “If we go into a bad recession, 2026 could be a political bloodbath,” Cruz said.
ALSO READ
Don't screw over Americans: FTC issues stark warning to US companies as Wall Street decimated
Is Donald Trump deliberately tanking the stock market? Bizarre video was shared by POTUS
Trump dismissed the backlash, posting on Truth Social that “big business” supports the tariffs and touted an upcoming “BIG, BEAUTIFUL DEAL” to “SUPERCHARGE our Economy.” He also attacked GOP senators — Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski — for opposing the tariffs, accusing them of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and disloyalty. All four voted for a Democratic-led bill to block the tariffs, though it faces a likely veto.
Analysts urge investors not to panic-sell but acknowledge the strain on retirement accounts like 401(k)s.