Michael Steele, host on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” expressed outrage over President Donald Trump’s response to the economic downturn triggered by his “Liberation Day” tariffs, while the president spent his weekend golfing in Florida.
“Folks, how many different ways do we have to tell you? He don’t care about you!” Steele exclaimed during Sunday’s broadcast, venting frustration as markets continued their downward spiral following Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements.
The MSNBC host, alongside co-host Symone Sanders-Townsend, discussed the growing economic concerns while criticizing the president’s apparent nonchalance. Sanders-Townsend pointed out that despite crashing markets, Trump maintained the tariffs are “here to stay” and noted that J.P. Morgan now estimates a 60 percent chance of the United States heading into a recession.
Sanders-Townsend added that Americans from “farmers from Kentucky to dress sellers in Pennsylvania fear for their livelihoods” as the economic uncertainty grows.
Steele directed particular ire at Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). After playing a clip where Musk suggested, “Both Europe and the United States should move … to a zero tariff situation. That has certainly been my advice to the president,” Steele responded with evident frustration.
“Dude, you are complicit in this!” Steele shot back as the clip concluded. “Your fingerprints are all over this, and now you’re going to act like because your companies are beginning to feel the pinch?”
The growing rift between Trump administration officials over tariff policy has become increasingly public. While Musk has advocated for a “zero-tariff situation” between the U.S. and Europe, Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro has staunchly defended the tariffs, creating visible divisions within the administration. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has insisted the tariffs will remain in place, though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that more than 50 countries have reached out to negotiate reductions.
Meanwhile, as global markets reacted negatively to the tariff announcements, Trump spent the weekend at his golf properties in Florida. He posted a video of himself teeing off on Truth Social as stocks continued to plummet, though it was unclear when the video was filmed.
Steele expressed his exhaustion with those who supported Trump now expressing concern about economic pain. “I don’t want to hear this from people about you know, how painful this is,” he said, referring to Trump supporters.
“Donald Trump is on the golf course,” Steele continued. “You should be happy!”
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has warned that the tariffs were “significantly larger than expected” and were “highly likely” to cause increased inflation. Despite these warnings, Trump has defended his policies, claiming they would incentivize companies to relocate to the United States.
Democratic leaders have joined in criticizing Trump’s response to the economic situation. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MSNBC stating that Trump’s “reckless tariffs” have led to increased costs for American taxpayers and decimated retirement savings. Jeffries called on Republican members of Congress to join Democrats in opposing these policies.
Senator Elizabeth Warren posted on social media: “While Donald Trump is relaxing on the golf course, working people are worried about rising prices and an economic crash.”
The economic uncertainty has also created tensions among Trump’s billionaire supporters. Several prominent business leaders including Jamie Dimon, Bill Ackman, and Larry Fink have expressed concerns about the tariffs’ economic impact. Despite suggestions of potential negotiations or a pause, the administration has denied reports of a 90-day delay in implementing the tariffs.
Steele concluded his critique with a warning to Americans about what they might expect in the coming months as economic conditions potentially worsen.
“The pain you think you’re feeling now?” Steele asked viewers. “Guess what? When you get into May, June, July. When you call an agency and nobody’s there to pick up the phone? Just know Donald Trump is on a golf course thinking about you.”
