Right-Wing Figures Break Ranks with Trump Over Tariff Turmoil
Washington, D.C., April 7, 2025 — President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, unveiled April 2 and imposing a baseline 10% levy—rising to as much as 50% on select imports—have triggered a sharp market downturn and prompted rare public rebukes from prominent conservative voices.
Global stock markets plunged in the immediate aftermath of Trump’s announcement, with investors fretting over rising costs and disrupted supply chains. theguardian
In the days since, three major right‑wing figures—Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, and Senator Ted Cruz—have all broken with the president, accusing him of economic mismanagement that has eroded their own portfolios and threatens broader Republican fortunes.
Dave Portnoy: From Cheerleader to Critic
Dave Portnoy, whose Barstool Sports empire once rode high on Trump’s populist wave, took to social media this week to vent frustration after his personal stock portfolio hemorrhaged roughly $7 million in value. “Everything’s in the sh–ter,” Portnoy fumed, blaming the tariff-induced sell‑off for wiping out gains and warning that ordinary Americans would face similar losses. nypost
In a scathing follow‑up interview, Portnoy labeled the policy “a trade deficit tariff” that punishes U.S. investors and consumers alike, lamenting that the administration’s “tough guy” rhetoric had backfired spectacularly. hindustantimes
Ben Shapiro: “A Massive Tax Increase”
On his widely‑watched podcast, Ben Shapiro dissected the tariff plan’s numbers and concluded that Trump was either “wrong or lying” about existing trade rates—ultimately imposing what Shapiro called “a massive tax increase on American consumers.” He warned that the levies would drive up prices on everyday goods, stripping away purchasing power from middle‑class families. mediamatters
Shapiro went further to question the policy’s constitutionality, dubbing the president’s approach “pretty crazy” and arguing that it undercuts the free‑market principles long championed by the conservative movement. independent.co
Even outlets like The Washington Post noted that corners of conservative media are openly alarmed by the fallout from Trump’s tariffs. washingtonpost
Ted Cruz: Warning of a “Bloodbath”
Senator Ted Cruz, one of Trump’s most vocal Senate allies, has also sounded the alarm. In an interview with the Texas Tribune, Cruz warned that a protracted trade war “would cost jobs, spur prices and be terrible for Texas” industries, particularly the state’s large automotive sector. texastribune
He highlighted warnings from carmakers that average vehicle prices could jump by $4,500 under the new levies. politico
Cruz added that continued market turmoil could spell political disaster for Republicans, risking a midterm “bloodbath” in 2026 if consumers continue to feel the pinch at the checkout line. theguardian
A Fractured Coalition
The convergence of criticism from Portnoy, Shapiro, and Cruz marks an unprecedented crack in Trump’s conservative coalition. What began as a bid to project strength and secure leverage in trade talks has morphed into a policy debacle, eroding confidence among both investors and ideological allies.
With no sign of the administration softening its stance, the question now is whether Trump can rally his base—or whether this tariff backlash will accelerate calls for a course correction before the economic and political costs become even steeper.
