‘I hate to predict things’: Trump doesn’t rule out US recession amid trade tariffs
GuardianMAR 10
Trump Declines to Rule Out 2025 Recession Amid Trade Turmoil
Above: US President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol on March 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Win McNamee/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
In a bold economic gambit, Pres. Trump's unconventional tariff approach signals a paradigm shift despite market anxiety. His hardball tactics against China, Canada, and Mexico are already yielding results, with companies like Honda and Volkswagen reorienting production to US soil. This strategic disruption promises to reshore vital industries and rebalance unfair trade relationships over time.
Anti-Trump narrative
Pres. Trump's erratic tariff policy has plunged the economy into dangerous territory. His whipsaw approach — announcing sweeping duties, then granting exemptions — has paralyzed business planning, cratered hiring, and spiked inflation fears. This uncertainty has shattered consumer confidence, stifled investment, and raised recession odds as financial markets recoil from his unpredictable governance style.