Stock market futures are plunging this evening after President Donald Trump broke his silence on the economic fallout of new tariff threats, offering a full-throated defense of the policy despite intensifying market volatility.
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In his first public reaction to the sell-off, Trump declared that tariffs are a “beautiful thing to behold.”
When asked about the sharp declines in the markets, he responded bluntly: “Sometimes you have to take medicine.”
He further stated that U.S. deficits with China and the European Union can only be cured with tariffs.
His remarks appear to have accelerated an already steep decline in futures markets:
Trading was even halted for Japan’s TOPIX futures after prices hit the exchange’s circuit breaker limit.
Donald Trump was also asked whether he would send U.S. citizens in American prisons to El Salvador. He said “I would love that.”
The comments have fueled investor anxiety over a potential resurgence in trade conflicts that could hit global growth and supply chains hard. Futures trading indicates widespread concern that aggressive tariff actions may be imminent, reigniting fears reminiscent of the 2018–2019 U.S.-China trade war.
Markets will be watching closely for any additional statements from Trump or policy signals from Washington as trading resumes Monday morning.
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