Trump's Story Debunked: 'Out of all the things that didn't happen, this didn't happen the most'

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that authorities are discovering funds in the country that were previously unaccounted for, attributing it all to what he called the tariff shelf.

His revival of this controversial claim sparked ridicule from critics, who dismissed the idea as unrealistic and lacking any tangible proof of boosting national finances.

One commentator on X, formerly Twitter, mocked the statement, saying, Of all the things that didnt happen, this didnt happen the most.

During a White House address, Trump elaborated on what has been described by some outlets as his self-created heroic myth. He claimed, The money coming in, theyre finding money in our country now that they never knew existed. The other day, $30 billion.

Trump went on to explain his reasoning: Where did it come from? I said, Why dont you check the tariff shelf? They said, Sir, that tariff hasnt started yet. It doesnt start until January. I said, No, it started two months ago. They call back, Sir, youre right. It was from tariffs. Now, we have a whole different country.

Economists remain unconvinced by the notion that tariffs are producing unexpected revenue. A Yale economist described the claim as largely baseless, while the negative impact of tariffs on consumer prices remains evident. The sweeping duties are also anticipated to face review by the Supreme Court.

Officials have at times referred to Trumps tariff story as a metaphor, though critics largely regard it as nonsensical.

Author: Olivia Parker