The stock market drop in the past three days looked like a game of chicken. On one side, prices plummeted; on the other, the US president refused to listen. Caught in between was a high-risk standoff, as demonstrated once again on Monday, April 7.

After another disastrous trading session in Asia and Europe, Wall Street had just opened with some calm, the indices even beginning a slight recovery. With an angry message on his Truth Social network, Donald Trump once again incited panic. "If China does not withdraw its 34% increase [announced by Beijing on Friday as a retaliatory measure] above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th," adding that "all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated."

Shortly before, the White House had quashed a reassuring rumor for financial markets. A misinterpreted response from director of National Economic Council Kevin Hassett spread the rumor of a 90-day delay in implementing the tariffs, scheduled for April 9. "Wrong," the White House responded on its X account. "@POTUS has been clear – 'it all has to change, but especially with CHINA!!!'"

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