DNC Trolls Trump on Tariffs with Free 'TACO' Truck Outside RNC Headquarters
DNC teams up with a taco truck outside RNC to mock Trump’s tariff stance, dubbing it “TACO” for “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

In a bold and theatrical move, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Tuesday deployed a custom-wrapped food truck directly in front of the Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters in Washington, D.C. The taco truck, plastered with images of former President Donald Trump, was hard to miss—serving up free tacos and ample political jabs to Hill staffers and passers-by. But, as many quickly discovered, this wasn’t just about lunch. Rather, it marked the latest salvo in an escalating battle over trade policy, tariffs, and the economic messaging that both parties hope will resonate heading into the crucial 2026 midterm elections.
The tacos came with more than just salsa; they arrived with a pointed message criticizing Trump’s tariff record under the playful acronym “TACO: Trump Always Chickens Out.” DNC organizers emphasized this phrase, a nod to growing concerns among Wall Street analysts that Trump may ultimately walk back some of the harsh reciprocal tariffs he announced in April—tariffs now tied up in a tangle of federal court battles. “Instead of realizing his tariff chaos is wrecking the economy, Trump continues to drag America towards more economic pain,” said DNC Chair Ken Martin, doubling down on the committee’s view that the former president’s unpredictable approach to trade negotiations represents a core vulnerability for his party.
Legal questions regarding Trump’s power to enact sweeping tariffs have intensified, with three separate federal courts currently evaluating his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Trump’s plan, announced in April, calls for a baseline 10% tariff on most U.S. trading partners and introduces a “reciprocal tariff” structure against countries not meeting what he deems fair trade standards. For now, a stay from the U.S. Court of Appeals has allowed these policies to proceed, but two other key challenges remain unresolved, leaving the future of Trump’s tariff regime hanging in the balance and adding to market unease.
The DNC’s playful attack did not go unnoticed by Trump, who lashed out at the “TACO” moniker when questioned by a reporter last week. Visibly irritated, Trump dismissed the phrase as a nasty line of questioning and insisted his tariff reductions were tactical maneuvers in ongoing trade talks with China. “You mean because I reduced China from 145% that I set down to 100 and then down to another number? I said, ‘You have to open your whole country,’” Trump retorted, defending his negotiation strategy as flexible rather than weak.
For Democrats, the taco truck serves a dual purpose: it’s both an attention-grabbing PR stunt and a calculated political tactic to keep the spotlight on Trump’s handling of trade and economic policy. In recent months, the party has struggled to marshal a cohesive message post-2024 elections, even receiving criticism for failing to respond robustly to shifting headlines, such as Elon Musk’s departure from a key White House advisory role. This fresh, Trump-style approach—complete with humor, theatrics, and social media engagement—signals a possible shift in campaign tactics, though not all efforts have resonated. A recent TikTok by Rep. Eric Swalwell poking fun at Trump’s tariffs, for example, was lampooned online as “cringeworthy” by conservative commentators.
It remains to be seen whether the DNC will expand its “tariff taco” theme beyond this high-profile stunt or if such unconventional tactics can sway public opinion in the coming midterms. For now, the taco truck outside RNC headquarters stands as a vivid symbol of the intensifying partisan divide over economic policy—a playful but pointed reminder that in Washington, even a free taco comes heavily seasoned with political rivalry.