Donald Trump's "PANICAN" Jab: A Disconnect Between Rhetoric and Economic Reality

• On April 2, 2025, Donald Trump introduced a new term into the political lexicon: "PANICAN." A portmanteau of "panic" and "Republican," this derogatory label was aimed at those expressing anxiety over the economic downturn following his recent tariff announcement. By painting those concerned about financial instability as members of a fictional party of "weak and stupid people," Trump sought to rally his supporters and dismiss legitimate fears gripping many Americans. This rhetoric unfolded against a backdrop of significant unrest on Wall Street, with stock values plummeting in response to his policies. Critics argue that Trump's approach trivializes the very real financial hardships faced by everyday citizens, pointing to a broader strategy of using disparaging labels to shift blame and maintain his political base amid economic turmoil. The term "PANICAN," therefore, embodies his tactics of conjuring a caricature of opposition while deflecting accountability for the consequences of his actions.

  From this post, a critical question arises: How can people not panic when they are losing their jobs and everything is getting increasingly expensive?

  Let's break this down by analyzing the context of Donald Trump’s post, the economic situation it describes, and the human impact of the policies and rhetoric involved. While the post introduces the term "PANICAN" to mock those worried about economic downturns, the underlying question highlights a very real concern. I’ll explore this by looking at the economic conditions, the psychological and social effects on individuals, and the disconnect between Trump’s messaging and the lived experiences of many Americans.

  Economic Context: Why People Are Panicking

  The social media post and related web results paint a picture of significant economic turbulence in April 2025, largely tied to Trump’s tariff policies announced earlier that month. Here's why these conditions are causing panic:

  Job Losses and Economic Instability:

  Trump’s tariffs, described as a substantial tax increase, have led to measurable economic fallout. Studies have indicated the negative impact of trade policies on employment, with foreign retaliation particularly harming agricultural employment. The scope of the new 2025 tariffs, encompassing a broad range of imports and targeting numerous countries, is likely to exacerbate job losses. In sectors where the ratio of consuming jobs far outweighs producing jobs, like steel, tariffs can hurt more workers than they purportedly help. When people lose jobs, their financial security erodes, making it difficult to avoid panic.

  Rising Costs of Living:

  The tariffs are driving up prices for everyday goods. Studies suggest that consumers bear the brunt of increased costs due to tariffs. Combined with existing global inflationary pressures, like those from the cost-of-living crisis,s where food and energy prices soared due to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical events, families are increasingly squeezed. For the poorest households, where essential goods already consume a large portion of their budget, these price hikes are devastating.

  Market Volatility and Retirement Savings:

  The announcement triggered market unrest. Significant losses can obliterate savings that people have spent decades accumulating. For many Americans, especially those nearing retirement, this wipes out their financial security, amplifying the sense of despair.

  Psychological and Social Impact: Why Panic Feels Inevitable

  The economic conditions alone are enough to cause distress, but the psychological and social effects make it even harder for people to stay calm:

  Loss of Control and Uncertainty:

  Losing a job or watching savings dwindle creates a profound sense of helplessness. Financial crises are fueled by fear, with individuals struggling to envision a stable future. The daily struggle to afford basics erodes any sense of control. The added pressure of tariffs and market crashes may deepen this despair. When people can’t predict how they’ll pay bills or feed their families, panic becomes a natural emotional response.

  Social Pressure and Shame:

  Trump’s rhetoric, labeling those who panic as "weak" and "stupid," adds a layer of shame. By framing economic fear as a personal failing, he deflects from the structural causes of people’s struggles, including the impact of his own policies. This can make individuals feel isolated, as if their panic is irrational or a sign of weakness, rather than a valid response to systemic issues. When leaders belittle real struggles, it can heighten anxiety by making people feel unheard and invalidated.

  Fear of Long-Term Consequences:

  The tariffs are not perceived as a short-term fix. They are viewed as a significant departure from established economic strategies, potentially reshaping the U.S.’s role in the global economy. Studies have shown the potential for tariffs to cause persistent GDP losses. For individuals, this translates to prolonged economic hardship—fewer job opportunities, higher costs, and a slower recovery. The fear of a new normal where things never improve fuels panic, reminiscent of historical crises where economic downturns lasted for years.

  The Disconnect in Trump’s Messaging: Why "Don't Panic" Falls Flat

  Trump’s post urges people to "be strong, courageous, and patient" instead of panicking, but this message ignores the reality of people’s lived experiences and the direct impact of his policies:

  Economic Policies at Odds with People’s Needs:

  Trump’s tariffs are intended to boost domestic manufacturing, but the immediate effect is higher prices and job losses in import-dependent sectors. Studies have shown that previous tariffs failed to significantly increase employment in protected sectors, while retaliatory measures hurt agriculture. A promise of future "greatness" offers little comfort to someone struggling to afford basic necessities today.

  Lack of Empathy and Solutions:

  Trump’s post offers no concrete solutions, only a call to avoid being "weak." This contrasts with global responses to economic crises, where governments have implemented targeted transfers, tax cuts, and energy subsidies to ease burdens. Recommendations have been made to support vulnerable households while addressing inflation, but Trump’s approach lacks such nuance. Without tangible support, people facing immediate hardship have little reason to trust that "greatness" will come, making panic a logical outcome.

  Why People Can’t Help But Panic

  Given the confluence of economic, psychological, and social factors, here’s why people can’t simply choose not to panic:

  • Lack of Trust in Leadership: Public approval on cost-of-living issues may be low. When people distrust leadership’s ability or willingness to address their economic concerns, they are more likely to panic.

  • Real and Immediate Hardship: Panic is a response to tangible threats. When people are losing their jobs, facing eviction, or struggling to feed their families, these are not abstract concerns but immediate crises.

  • Erosion of Safety Nets: If social safety nets are weak or perceived as inadequate, people have fewer buffers against economic shocks. This lack of security amplifies their fear and anxiety.

  In essence, telling people not to panic without addressing the underlying causes of their distress is not only insensitive but also ineffective.

  As the saying goes:

  "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

  Rhetoric that dismisses real hardship in favor of political posturing will likely only exacerbate the anxiety and fear that it seeks to diminish. The critical question is whether policies and messaging will address the tangible needs of struggling individuals and families, or whether they will simply add insult to injury by labeling legitimate concerns as weakness.

  What Do You Think About This Jab? We’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts!