9 at Media Matters Wrote a Trump Tariff Hit Piece – It Faded Fast

The Rise of Trump’s Trade Policy and the Shift in Media Narratives

In early 2024, a far-left nonprofit called Media Matters assembled a team of nine "researchers" to gather statements from Fox News guests and hosts who had previously supported President Donald Trump's trade policies. At the time, these comments were presented as part of a broader critique of Trump's approach to international trade. However, as the months have passed, the predictions made by those individuals have proven to be more accurate than many expected.

The original article highlighted quotes from April that included remarks from Republican lawmakers, Fox News and Fox Business hosts, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, opinion columnists, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Each of these individuals spoke about Trump’s strategy of using tariff threats to reshape global trade dynamics. Many of them claimed this approach would lead to a "golden age" for America, with increased revenue and stronger domestic production. They also suggested that other countries would eventually comply, leading to a correction in the stock market.

A Surprising Turn of Events

What many did not anticipate was how quickly these predictions would come true. Trump’s recent deal with the European Union, announced on Sunday, marked a major victory. Additionally, Fox Business reported earlier this month that tariff revenues have reached an unprecedented $113 billion during the current fiscal year. According to the Treasury Department, the U.S. collected over $27 billion in customs duties in June alone—up 301% compared to the same period last year.

This success stands in stark contrast to earlier media reports that painted a bleak picture of Trump’s trade policy. For example, CNN published an article shortly after the Dow Jones fell by 2,231 points, attributing the drop to what it called a "global trade war." The index had fallen from around 42,300 to 38,300 between March 27 and April 4. However, the market has since rebounded dramatically. As of now, the Dow is hovering near a record high of over 45,000, averaging 44,622.58 according to CNBC.

Media Reactions and Public Perception

The original Media Matters piece, which was meant to mock Trump’s supporters, now appears to have backfired. Instead of highlighting flawed predictions, it has inadvertently showcased the accuracy of those who backed Trump’s trade strategies. Mainstream media outlets, once critical of the president, have been forced to acknowledge his success, with headlines expressing shock, disbelief, or admiration for his diplomatic achievements.

Outlets such as Axios, the New York Times, the Guardian, and CNN have all run stories covering Trump’s recent wins. This shift in tone underscores the growing recognition of his effectiveness in negotiations.

Expanding Global Trade Agreements

Beyond the EU deal, Trump has continued to push forward with trade agreements or frameworks with several other nations. These include Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, China, and others. His administration has also set a deadline of August 1 for countries that have not yet engaged in discussions. If they fail to reach an agreement, they could face significant tariffs.

According to The Hill, some of the most targeted nations still on the table include Canada, which faces a potential 35% tariff hike; Mexico and South Africa, both at risk of 30%; South Korea, facing a 25% increase; and Brazil, which could see a staggering 50% tariff.

The Path Forward

For these countries, the message is clear: time is running out. Those who are wise enough to act quickly may be able to secure better terms with the White House before the August 1 deadline. With Trump maintaining a strong position in negotiations, his approach has once again demonstrated the power of a firm stance in international trade.