Saqib Majid
Donald Trump has always made audacious claims, used unorthodox language, and made contentious business decisions. Now, in addition to new tariffs that have rocked international markets, the former president has added a new word to his ever-expanding vocabulary: Panican.
In typical Trump manner, the term was emphasized, forceful, and pointedly directed when Trump first used it in a Truth Social post. Trump urged Americans to remain “Strong, Courageous, and Patient” as his government announced massive tariffs that would impact almost every country in the world. He insisted that his economic approach will ultimately result in nothing less than “GREATNESS.”
He offered a different message for those who expressed worry about the impact on the market and the escalating trade tensions, though: “Don’t be weak! Don’t be foolish! Avoid being a PANICAN.
However, the financial markets and some of his own well-known supporters weren’t entirely on board with Trump’s attempts to show strength and direction.
The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both fell more than 2% in the first half-hour of Monday’s trading, while the NASDAQ fell more than 1%. Among internet opponents, the decline gave rise to a new moniker: “Orange Monday,” a branding slur directed directly at Trump’s policies and the consequences they seem to be having.
The cumulative stats for Wall Street have gotten worse since Trump took office. The S&P has dropped more than 1,000 points, the Dow more than 5,600 points, and the NASDAQ more than 4,700 points. Both investors and analysts are voicing increasing concerns, pointing out that the markets are responding to the uncertainty that tariffs create in addition to the tariffs themselves.
Trump’s recently announced 10% duty on all imported goods from 180 countries, combined with targeted reciprocal duties on dozens of additional countries, are adding to that uncertainty. Trump increased the stakes on Monday by threatening more tariffs against China, saying that unless China retracted its own retaliatory rises by April 8, the U.S. will inflict a 50% tax increase.
We shall end any communication with China regarding the meetings they have sought with us! There will be an immediate start to negotiations with other nations who have also requested meetings.
Even Trump’s longtime supporters weren’t happy with the increasing toneDuring a panel discussion over the weekend, Musk advocated for the establishment of a truly free trade zone and said the United States and Europe should strive for a zero-tariff system.
Similarly, longtime MAGA backer and billionaire investor Bill Ackman expressed disapproval of the administration’s combative strategies. Ackman acknowledged the need for tariff reform in a piece that was posted on Sunday, but he cautioned that the president’s strategy would cause significant economic harm.
The country is 100% behind the president on fixing a global system of tariffs that has disadvantaged the country. But, business is a confidence game and confidence depends on trust.
President @realDonaldTrump has elevated the tariff issue to the most important geopolitical…
— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) April 6, 2025
Ackman added, “The President must call for a 90-day time out on the massive and disproportionate tariffs on our friends and our enemies alike, even though we support fixing a global system of tariffs that has disadvantaged the country.” “Alternatively, we should start hunkering down because we are on the verge of an economic nuclear winter that we have created for ourselves,” he continued. I hope calmer heads win out.
Despite criticism and a collapsing market, Trump remained unflinching. In another post, he added, “HANG TOUGH.” “The outcome will be historic, but it won’t be easy.” He persisted in portraying the economic upheaval as a necessary revolution that the United States will “win.”
The newly created word Panican has swiftly become a lightning rod for online criticism and ridicule, despite his assured tone. People were eager to analyze and make fun of the term on Reddit and X (previously Twitter).
On Reddit, @diretymac09 made the joke that “Trump is a PainInMyAssican,” while @joyfullsoul made light of the inconsistency between Trump’s campaign rhetoric and his present position. They wrote, “Funny, this new party wasn’t around when he was campaigning.” “I don’t recall that being “powerful” was a requirement for his goals. As far as I can remember, everything was supposed to be resolved on day one, but perhaps I’m being overly anxious.
User @LA_Karma1 on X noted the irony that Trump might be referring to his own supporters: They stated, “He’s calling his scared and anxious MAGA voters to PANICAN, which he has decided is a new party.” “WOW!”
A darker interpretation was provided by @Whatapityonyou, who said, “You can tell he knows he’s fucked.” You can tell since “panican” (??) is the best insult he could think of.
Some questioned whether Trump’s rhetoric was sincere. Critics contend that creating juvenile insults might not be the best use of the president’s time, especially with the international economy and diplomatic ties at stake.
Trump, however, is unmoved. The former president has always prospered from upheaval, gaining political impetus from the criticism and media attention. It remains to be seen if “Panican” will gain traction beyond social media mockery, but for the time being, it has emerged as the newest lightning rod in a political environment already characterized by stark differences, unstable economic conditions, and always rising vitriol.
And according to Trump’s statements, the road to what he claims would be “economic greatness” will not allow for weakness, foolishness, or panic.