Retail Giants Warn Trump: Drop the Tariffs or Expect Empty Shelves
President Trump’s tough talk on tariffs is starting to hit home literally. Top retail CEOs from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot reportedly sat down with Trump this week and told him point-blank: keep pushing those tariffs, and stores across the country might be bare in a matter of weeks.
According to insiders, these execs warned the president that prices are holding steady for now, but it won’t last. Supply chains are stretched thin, and higher import costs especially with that massive 145% tariff on some Chinese goods are putting serious pressure on retailers.
This meeting seemed to make an impact. Trump, who had been throwing sharp words at both China and the Federal Reserve, took a noticeable step back. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted that the White House is open to restarting trade talks with China. That calmed investors, with the markets bouncing back and the dollar climbing.
Trump also told reporters he has “no intention” of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, despite rumors flying around. White House officials are spinning this shift in tone as a strategic move not a retreat to bring China to the negotiating table.
Still, public opinion isn’t on his side. New polls show more Americans are losing confidence in how Trump is handling the economy.
