Trump Denies "Chickening Out" on Tariffs, Says Delays Are Strategic Moves to Advance Negotiations

President Donald Trump rejected criticism of his shifting tariff strategy, denying claims he frequently retreats from tough trade measures, according to CNBC. The term “Trump Always Chickens Out”  was coined by a Financial Times columnist and refers to Trump’s pattern of announcing steep tariffs that initially shake markets. He often later delays or softens the measures, leading to market recoveries. When asked by CNBC about the term at the White House, Trump denied ever backing down on tariffs and claimed his actions have strengthened U.S. trade negotiations. The president defended delaying a 50% EU tariff as strategic negotiation, saying it prompted the EU to engage and was not a sign of backing down. Trump credited the 50% tariff threat with jumpstarting trade negotiations between the U.S. and the EU.