A stunning shift in perspective from one of Fox News' most prominent Trump supporters has sent shockwaves through financial markets and political circles.
According to Daily Mail, Maria Bartiromo made an alarming admission on Monday morning that President Trump's proposed 50% tariff on Chinese imports could trigger a recession, marking a dramatic departure from her earlier optimistic outlook.
The host of "Sunday Morning Futures" delivered her sobering assessment during America's Newsroom as markets tumbled in response to Trump's latest tariff threats against China. Her comments gained significant attention given her typically staunch support for Trump's economic policies and her influence as a leading business expert on the network.
Trump's warning to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing removes its retaliatory 34% tariff has sparked serious concerns among financial experts. The president's ultimatum included canceling all trade negotiations if China refuses to comply by Tuesday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced significant volatility, dropping sharply before recovering some losses. By 11:00 AM ET, the index had rallied approximately 460 points but remained down 10% compared to the previous month.
Financial analysts and critics from across the political spectrum have characterized Trump's tariff strategy as unnecessarily risky, potentially jeopardizing millions of Americans' retirement savings and overall quality of life.
Bartiromo spoke with Dana Perino and Sandra Smith, acknowledging the likely economic impact on everyday Americans:
It will have an effect. Some things will become higher priced. We'll see some products actually be raising price because companies will pass on the cost of tariffs to consumers. That's why you have some people saying we could see a recession. We'll see a growth slowdown.
The stark warning contrasted sharply with her earlier prediction on Fox Business around 6:30 AM, when she suggested the market might "reverse course entirely by the close."
Market experts have noted that even if only half of the anticipated price increases materialize, the impact could be severe. Bartiromo cited Piper Sandler's Chief Global Economist Nancy Lazar's prediction of declining GDP and rising unemployment.
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough delivered pointed criticism of networks defending the tariffs, particularly targeting those speaking to middle-class Americans. He emphasized that working-class citizens would bear the brunt of economic disruption, drawing parallels to the 2008 financial crisis.
The administration has maintained its stance despite market turbulence, with Trump urging investors to remain patient. He took to Truth Social before markets opened, encouraging supporters to stay strong and promising "GREATNESS" as the result. By late morning, the S&P 500 demonstrated remarkable resilience with a 7% surge, suggesting investors' underlying desire to avoid recession and return to normal market conditions.
Trump's aggressive tariff strategy against China represents a significant gamble with America's economic stability. Maria Bartiromo's unexpected warning on Fox News reflects growing concerns about potential recession risks, even among typically supportive voices.
The immediate market response and divided expert opinions highlight the complex nature of this economic showdown with China. As Tuesday's deadline approaches, investors and consumers alike await clarity on whether these tariff threats will materialize and potentially trigger the recession Bartiromo and other analysts now fear.
