President Donald Trump might not be too pleased to find out that a new nickname for him is going viral online — and it’s not flattering. The term “TACO” has become the top trending word searched alongside his name, according to CNN’s data reporter Harry Enten. It was the most Googled phrase connected to Trump on Thursday.
The nickname “TACO” stands for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” It was first created by Financial Times writer Robert Armstrong and quickly spread through financial circles, especially on Wall Street. The term mocks Trump for repeatedly announcing bold tariff plans and then backing down from them, which many see as a sign that he doesn’t follow through on tough decisions. Since then, the phrase has turned into a popular meme across the internet.
Trump was asked about the nickname at a press conference on May 28, and he didn’t take it well. When a reporter brought it up, he snapped, “That’s a nasty question. To me, that’s the nastiest question.”
He then tried to defend himself by talking about how he dealt with trade issues. He mentioned how he lowered tariffs on China from 145% to 100% and said he told them to open up their economy. He also claimed he imposed a 50% tariff on the European Union, which made their leaders beg to meet with him. He said he agreed to give them time until June 9. Trump was clearly trying to show that he had been strong and decisive in those moments, not someone who “chickens out.”
Still, the nickname seems to be sticking. According to Enten, Google searches for “Trump Always Chickens Out” skyrocketed by 9,900% in just one day. He said that kind of spike proves the term has made its way into the mainstream and is gaining traction fast.
Enten added that this could be a real problem for Trump, since his public image is built on being bold and never backing down. If people start to see him as someone who talks big but backs out when it matters, it could damage the strongman reputation he often tries to project.
In short, while Trump may try to laugh it off or act like he’s never heard of the “TACO” label, the internet and the public seem to be eating it up.
