Jon Stewart Hits at Trump’s Tariffs: ‘Last Time It Was Tried We Had a Great Depression’

Jon Stewart took aim at Donald Trump ‘s tariffs plan on the latest episode of The Daily Show . He opened the show by noting, “Our economy is in the midst of a beautiful metamorphosis, turning from a simple caterpillar into a dead caterpillar.” The host then introduced a new segment he dubbed “Trade Wars” (same logo as Star Wars ), and played a series of news clips outlining the impact of Trump’s global tariffs .

“This turmoil could have lasting effects on the global economy, on everyday Americans, and most worryingly, the stock portfolios of members of Congress,” Stewart said. “Mr. President, now is the time to soothe a worried nation!” Stewart followed with another news clip that detailed a social media post from Trump that read, “Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid.



Don’t be a PANICAN.” The latter being a new term Trump has created for “weak and stupid people.” “‘Panican?’ The genius who gave us classics like ‘Sleepy Joe’ and ‘Crooked Hillary’ just shit out, ‘You’re just a panican?’” Stewart replied.

“How about ‘hystericrats?’ ‘Repussicans?’ How about ‘cryin-tologists?’ Did the overseas factory you had been sourcing your nicknames from get shut down during the tariff war?” Trump also posted “Only the weak will fail” on Truth Social, prompting Stewart to quip, “What are you doing? Your economic policy has the same tagline as Season 3 of Squid Game ? That’s supposed to make us feel better?” The late-night host continued that he’s concerned about the lack of response from Republicans, who don’t seemed fazed by the potential economic ripple effect. “When did the right become so chill?” Stewart wondered. “Aren’t you the ‘Bud Light is turning my kids trans’ folks? But economic meltdown and you’re getting all philosophical?” Trending Stories Drummer Clem Burke, the 'Heartbeat of Blondie,' Dead at 70 Trump Threatens to Block Congress From Taking Control of Tariffs 'The White Lotus' Season Three Finale Gave Us the World's Dumbest Shootout 12,000 Years Later, Dire Wolves Are Back He added, “You are all acting the tariff regime in a tried-and-true remedy.

‘Oh, of course, this is the medicine that’s always prescribed!’ Except the last time it was tried 100 years ago we had a Great Depression.” Stewart closed his monologue by reflecting on the overall issue with the tariff plan. “We continue to blame everybody else in the world that we designed and policed after World War II,” he said.

“We’re the richest country in the world, ever! We’re not the world’s victims. If we have inequalities in this country, that’s on us. It’s not a supply problem, it’s not on fair trade for the most part.

It’s an investment and distribution problem. It’s our fucking fault. And it’s not saying we can’t make adjustments and renegotiate things, but it didn’t have to be this reckless.

You killed the hostage and then went, ‘Oh, ransom?’”.