'What a joke': Trump ridiculed on social media after he 'backs down' from threat

Donald Trump on Sunday made a sudden announcement that he would be temporarily backing down on some of his tariff threats, prompting ridicule online.

The president took to Truth Social over the weekend to reveal the decision.

"I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union," Trump wrote. "I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

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Chris Murphy, Democratic senator from Connecticut, joked about the flip flopping.

"The tariffs are on and it's a different % per country because of a formula I made up wait but now they're off for everyone but China oh but now back on! and we are writing letters to tell them the % oh no now it's 50% on Europe wait now no tariffs on Europe btw," he wrote. "What a joke."

Economist Justin Wolfers said, "Friday's EU tariff announcement lasted nearly the whole weekend, or 18% of a Scaramucci."

He added, "One of the things I've learned to do as a teacher is to think about realistic deadlines in advance, then put them on the syllabus, and stand by them. I like to give my students some predictability, and a sense that I take my commitments seriously and expect them to do the same."

Author James Surowiecki said, "Trump backs down from his threat to impose a 50% tariff on the EU."

"What a clown this guy is," he then added.

Republicans against Trump wrote, "Trump backs down from his EU tariff threat. Again."

"What a clown show," the group added.