A Brief History of the TACO anti-Trump meme

The TACO meme—short for “Trump Always Chickens Out”—was coined in May 2025 by Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong to describe Donald Trump’s habit of making bold threats, especially on trade, only to retreat once consequences loom. It quickly escaped its financial roots, catching fire on social media, late-night shows, and political blogs. The phrase struck a chord, offering a sharp, funny shorthand for Trump’s frequent policy reversals.

When a reporter referenced “TACO trade” on May 28, Trump bristled, denying the label and defending his tactics as strategic—not cowardly. But his reaction only fueled the meme’s spread. While some strategists worry it could trivialize serious issues, others see it as a powerful satirical tool. In less than a week, TACO became a viral, pointed critique wrapped in humor—and it’s not going anywhere.

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