U.S. stocks plummet, does Trump really not care? The "slight disruption" caused by tariffs is acceptable

Against the backdrop of a two-day sharp decline in the U.S. stock market, Trump continues to insist on his radical trade policies during a joint session of Congress.

He acknowledged that the newly imposed high tariffs would bring "small disturbances," but emphasized that it is worth trying to achieve the promised benefits of his trade policy. In his speech on Tuesday evening, Trump stated:

"Tariffs are meant to make America great again, and that is happening, and we will soon see results."

"There will be a little disturbance, but we can accept that, and the impact won't be too great."

Just hours before Trump's remarks, the U.S. stock market experienced a significant decline for the second consecutive day, coinciding with the formal implementation of Trump's 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The market is concerned about whether the U.S. stock market, once regarded as a benchmark by the Trump administration, has lost its priority?

In response, the Trump administration's latest statement came: According to CCTV News, on March 4 local time, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stated that President Trump may lower tariffs on Canada and Mexico, with a related decision expected to be announced on the 5th. Ross indicated that Trump is looking for a compromise, and lowering tariffs does not mean suspending them.

Mixed Signals from the Government, Uncertainty of Trump 2.0 is Shaking Market Confidence

On the first trading day of Trump's trade war against Canada and Mexico, the U.S. stock market experienced wild fluctuations. The S&P 500 index plummeted by 2% at one point, erasing a $3.4 trillion gain accumulated since the election day on November 5. Although there was a brief rebound in the afternoon, it still closed at a new low since November 4.

Most economists warn that tariffs are essentially import taxes paid by importers, which will ultimately lead to higher consumer prices. The American Automotive Innovation Alliance (an industry organization representing most major automakers) warned earlier on Tuesday that tariffs on Canada and Mexico could lead to price increases of up to 25% for certain car models.

However, Trump has long insisted that tariffs are paid by other countries and views them as a key negotiating tool. He has repeatedly praised his broader tariff plan in his speech, promising that it will help lead the automotive industry to "prosperity," and stated that his "reciprocal tariffs" plan will bring in "trillions of dollars."It is worth noting that Trump also acknowledged in his speech to Congress that there may be an "adjustment period" for tariffs. In response, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stated that President Trump may lower tariffs on Canada and Mexico, with a related decision expected to be announced on the 5th. Ross indicated that Trump is looking for a compromise, and lowering tariffs does not mean suspending them.

Bank of America analyst Claudio Irigoyen believes that the uncertainty of Trump 2.0 is shaking market confidence.

Irigoyen referred to the economic policies of the Trump 2.0 era as a "game changer," arguing that the threats of tariffs, tightening immigration, high fiscal deficits, public sector reforms, and diplomatic adjustments create a fog that makes it difficult for the market to assess their impact on economic activity and inflation, with opinions divided on whether the Federal Reserve will raise or lower interest rates.

Irigoyen analyzed that the market believes Trump will not allow policies to harm U.S. businesses and the stock market, and that his protectionist measures may be "more bark than bite," with enforcement being weaker than expected.