Apocalyptic Predictions About Trump’s Trade Wars Never Came True. Here’s Why.
Daily WireMAY 18
World Bank Downgrades Global Growth Forecast to 2.3%
Above: Infographic with charts showing growth forecasts for the world and selected major economies by the World Bank in its June 2025 Global Economic Prospects report. Image copyright: Jonathan Walter & Herve Bouilly/Contributor/AFP Infographics via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Washington's bid to levy historic tariffs on global trade has sparked widespread economic concerns. The tariff wars are creating unnecessary economic turbulence that hurts American consumers, disrupts global supply chains, undermines decades of economic cooperation, and threatens to trigger the weakest growth decade since the 1960s. As a result, multiple growth forecasts have been cut, reflecting the anticipated slowdown in international trade and economic expansion due to heightened trade tensions.
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump's trade policies are necessary to correct decades of unfair trade practices that have hollowed out American manufacturing. By targeting countries that engage in dumping, intellectual property theft, and currency manipulation, these tariffs aim to protect domestic industries, restore fair competition, and strengthen the U.S. economic position worldwide. These temporary economic adjustments will ultimately strengthen the U.S. economy by bringing jobs back home and compelling trading partners to negotiate more equitable deals.