Politico reports:

During the first two turbulent months of President Donald Trump’s term, the White House has shrugged off scrutiny of its most controversial policies with a simple assertion: The American people voted for this.

Now, Trump allies and GOP voters spooked by the tariff-induced market crash are beginning to respond en masse: No, we didn’t.

Trump won in November because many voters saw him as an antidote to their economic malaise; as a candidate, he frequently promised to lower Americans’ everyday prices. But as president, he has chosen instead to plunge the country into fresh financial chaos, while insisting the market losses as a result of his tariffs are “medicine” Americans need to take.

“Trump was elected in part to lower inflation and juice the economy,” said GOP pollster Whit Ayres. “Higher prices and slower growth are exactly the opposite of what Americans voted for.”

The economic turbulence unleashed by the White House’s blanket tariffs is sending shudders through every level of the Republican Party. Alarmed officials worry the administration is driving the U.S. toward recession and dooming the GOP’s midterm chances — yet they have no idea what will convince Trump to change course. [Continue reading…]