Stock Market Bounces Back After Sudden Tariff Pause

The stock market quickly recovered following Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on sweeping tariffs. However, some are questioning a suspicious message he posted just hours earlier.

Tariffs Trigger Chaos

Trump had vowed to “Make America Wealthy Again” by slapping tariffs on over 60 countries. His April 2 announcement included a 10% baseline tariff—on nations ranging from major economies to remote islands inhabited only by penguins.

Markets responded immediately. Within 25 seconds, U.S. stocks lost $2 trillion.

Steep Tariffs Rolled Out

By midnight, the tariffs took effect, targeting allies and rivals alike. A second wave, set for April 9, imposed harsher penalties:

• EU: 20%

• China: 34%

• Vietnam: 46%
  Other countries faced similar treatment.

Many announced plans to strike back, with China vowing to “fight to the end.” The EU also hinted at strong countermeasures.

A Dramatic U-Turn

Surprisingly, Trump reversed course just before the second tariff wave. He paused all new rates—except for China. There, he hiked the tariff even higher, reaching 125%, citing Beijing’s “lack of respect.”

The pause sparked an immediate rebound.

• The S&P 500 surged 7% by mid-day and closed up 9.5%.

• The Dow Jones jumped 7.8%.

• Global markets, including Japan’s, also soared.

A Suspicious Truth Social Post

Hours before the tariff announcement, Trump posted on Truth Social at 9:37 a.m.:

“THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT”

Critics quickly linked this post to the market rebound, accusing Trump of manipulating stocks.

Officials Respond

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied the pause was tied to falling markets. Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Schumer called it a clear retreat.

Trump defended his decision:

“I did a 90-day pause for the people who didn’t retaliate. I told them if they do, we’ll double it—like we did with China.”

He added:

“People were getting yippy. It had to be done. It’s all going to work out amazing.”