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Fox Business Expert Maria Bartiromo Acknowledges Recession Risks Amid Trump Tariffs
A prominent business analyst from Fox News has conceded that President Donald Trump’s tariffs could potentially trigger an economic recession. This admission came shortly after the expert presented a more optimistic assessment just hours before the market opened on Monday, raising concerns about the economic impact of trade policies.
Bartiromo’s On-Air Warning
Maria Bartiromo, known for her expertise in financial matters, publicly recognized the looming possibility of an economic downturn during a live broadcast on Monday morning. This acknowledgment coincided with a real-time stock ticker displaying a significant drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, underscoring market anxieties.
Speaking on America’s Newsroom, Bartiromo responded to host Dana Perino’s inquiry about the potential repercussions of President Trump’s tariffs on everyday Americans. In what some may consider a surprising statement from a known supporter of the Trump administration, Bartiromo delivered a somber outlook.
Shifting Perspectives on Economic Impact
‘It will have an effect,’ Bartiromo stated, a notable shift from her earlier stance on Fox Business Network’s Mornings With Maria. Just hours prior, during her own program, she had expressed a belief that the market might recover by the day’s end.
‘Some items will become more expensive,’ she elaborated, explaining to Perino and fellow business journalist Sandra Smith that businesses are likely to transfer tariff costs to consumers, leading to increased prices.
”I anticipate it,’ she confirmed regarding expected price increases. ‘This is why some individuals are suggesting the possibility of a recession. We anticipate a slowdown in growth.” Bartiromo further referenced a projection by Nancy Lazar, Chief Global Economist at Piper Sandler, which forecasted a recession.
Recession Concerns and Market Volatility
A recession is technically defined by two consecutive quarters of negative economic expansion. Bartiromo’s analysis, particularly from a network perceived as supportive of President Trump, painted a concerning picture of the economic landscape.
‘However,’ Bartiromo continued, highlighting President Trump’s prior statements about anticipated economic ‘disruption’.
‘We are currently experiencing that disruption,’ she declared, as the live ticker continued to reflect declines in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Despite an intraday recovery of approximately 460 points by 11:00 am ET on Monday, the Dow remained down nearly one percent from the previous Friday’s closing figure.
Furthermore, the index, a key indicator of the financial health of 30 major US corporations, still reflected a 10 percent decrease compared to the previous month, following President Trump’s tariff announcements the prior week.
Trump’s Tariff Policy and Critics
President Trump has remained steadfast in his tariff policy, asserting that increased import taxes are essential for stimulating the American economy and boosting domestic manufacturing.
However, critics across the political spectrum have cautioned against this strategy, characterizing it as a risky gamble that could jeopardize the financial security and living standards of numerous working-class Americans.
Bartiromo on Long-Term Economic Strategy
Bartiromo offered a broader perspective, stating, ‘Looking at this situation strategically, President Trump is attempting to restructure the economy to reduce US dependence on China for pharmaceuticals and Taiwan for semiconductor chips, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing.’ This echoed President Trump’s justifications for the tariffs.
‘I do anticipate this will impact Main Street and lead to higher consumer prices,’ she admitted. ‘This market reaction is a reflection of these concerns.’
This assessment contrasted sharply with her earlier comments on Fox Business that same morning, around 6:30 am ET, when futures markets were also suggesting potential economic headwinds.
‘Frankly, I would not be surprised to see the market completely reverse course before the closing bell,’ she had said during a discussion with former Fox Business colleague Cheryl Casone.
‘We are awaiting any updates regarding negotiations from the White House.’
Notwithstanding market fluctuations and potential economic risks, the President has maintained a firm stance on tariffs, despite indications of possible adjustments after significant market losses the previous week.
Meanwhile, many Americans are bracing for a possible economic downturn, witnessing declines in their retirement savings alongside ongoing tariff uncertainties.
MSNBC’s Scarborough on Tariff Debate
On MSNBC, Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough alerted viewers to be aware of potential ‘tariff-centric propaganda’ throughout the day, specifically referencing ‘other networks.’ Expressing his frustration, he emphasized the potential disconnect between affluent commentators and the working class.
‘Today…you will see billionaires within the administration appearing on networks that are pretending there’s no cause for alarm,’ he stated.
‘They will be speaking to millionaire hosts who will tell middle-class and working-class Americans… “Don’t worry. There’s nothing to worry about. This was necessary,”’ Scarborough continued.
‘And it’s crucial to remember… [They are] the ones who will not ultimately bear the brunt.’
‘”We learned this in 2008, right?”‘ he added, referencing the government’s financial bailout of banks during the 2008 crisis, which occurred while many workers faced economic hardship.
‘How many bankers went to jail? How many traders went to jail? Maybe one, if that,’ he questioned.
‘Therefore, as we discuss this from a high-level perspective – talking about the stock market, banks, oil, and all those being impacted – these trickle-down consequences will be felt by working Americans.’
These citizens, he concluded, ‘are the least able to absorb it.’
Developing story, please check back for further updates…