Reporter Asks Trump His ‘Best Question Ever’—His Response Is Going Viral
In a moment that left even seasoned White House reporters surprised, former President Donald Trump singled out a question during a recent press conference as “the best question I’ve ever been asked.” The inquiry, which concerned a leading economist’s dramatic shift in perspective about Trump’s controversial tariff strategy, provided the former president with a rare opportunity to vindicate a key pillar of his economic policy.
The question referenced economist Torsten Sløk of Apollo Global Management, who had initially warned that Trump’s tariffs could precipitate a recession but recently acknowledged that the strategy may have, in his words, “outsmarted everyone.”
Trump’s face lit up as the reporter asked, “Mr. President, a leading global economist just did a one-eighty and says your tariff plan, you may have outsmarted everybody with it. What is your message?
Clearly relishing the moment, Trump responded enthusiastically, “I love this. I love this question. This is the favorite. This is the best question I’ve ever been asked because I’ve been going through abuse for years on this.”
He continued, defending his approach to trade: “Because, as you know, we’re taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, no inflation whatsoever.”
When pressed on what he would say to his critics who long argued the tariffs would damage the U.S. economy, Trump didn’t hold back: “I think they should go back to business school. It’s so obvious. It’s so obvious. I mean, we’re taking in billions and billions of dollars from China and a lot of other countries.”
The moment came as U.S. stock markets soared to record highs, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both posting historic closing figures. It provided a timely backdrop to the renewed debate over Trump’s long-standing trade policies.
Trump’s tariffs, imposed shortly after his inauguration in January, targeted major U.S. trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico. Despite intense criticism from economists, lawmakers, and foreign leaders, Trump insisted his plan would ultimately benefit American workers and businesses by leveling the playing field. Over time, the initial shock of the policy gave way to nuanced discussions about its actual economic impact.
At the time, many economists warned that such protectionist policies could trigger retaliatory measures, increase consumer prices, and ultimately lead the U.S. into a recession. Torsten Sløk was among them. Many experts cited disruptions in supply chains, strained international relations, and potential long-term harm to global trade norms.
