Trump’s apparent acknowledgement on Fox News that his policies, including tariffs, could cause a period of “transition” for the economy was also disturbing – since it appeared to indicate that short-term pain is in the offing and that he is prepared for a country weary of high prices for groceries and housing to endure it.

John Roberts, co-anchor of Fox News' "America Reports," declared that it "wouldn't be a good thing" if there was a recession on the president's watch.