Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger didn’t mince words Thursday morning as he torched Donald Trump over his latest flurry of tariff threats, accusing the ex-president of “stock market manipulation” and hurling a series of sharply worded barbs—including labeling Trump an “ignorant fat toddler” and “sloppy goon.”
In two scathing posts on X on May 23, 2025, Kinzinger took direct aim at Trump‘s Truth Social rants, threatening a massive 50% tariff on European Union vehicles and proposing tariffs on Apple if the tech giant doesn’t shift iPhone manufacturing to the U.S.
“Break the law today… you will be held accountable eventually”
Kinzinger’s first post, viewed over 54,000 times in just a few hours, framed Trump’s tariff musings not as misguided policy proposals, but as intentional attempts to sway markets:
“At this point Trump’s tariff threats are just stock market manipulation. Nobody will prosecute him. Just FYI: break the law today you better hope statute of limitations runs out… you will be held accountable eventually,” Kinzinger wrote.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s bombastic tariff threats have driven media attention and shaken economic markets. But Kinzinger, who has emerged as one of the loudest anti-Trump Republicans since leaving office, is turning up the heat by suggesting legal consequences are overdue, even if delayed by the slow churn of justice.
Apple, iPhones, and toddler tantrums
The former congressman didn’t stop there. In a second X post just before 6 a.m. (which he later edited), Kinzinger unleashed a tirade over Trump’s suggestion that Apple should face punitive tariffs unless it moves iPhone production stateside: “NOBODY WANTS APPLE BUILDING IPHONES HERE YOU IGNORANT FAT TODDLER. Good God you exhausting sloppy goon.”
The insult-laden tweet, which racked up over 181,000 views in just a few hours, appears to be a direct reaction to Trump’s Truth Social post where he demanded Apple “start building all iPhones in the USA or face big tariffs.” Critics argue such a move would not only be economically infeasible but would also cause a ripple effect across global supply chains, likely driving up prices and sparking international backlash.
What Trump actually Said: 50% EU tariffs and an Apple ultimatum
On his Truth Social account, Trump recently proposed a sweeping 50% tariff on cars imported from the European Union, claiming it would “level the playing field” for American automakers. Simultaneously, he targeted Apple, accusing the company of being “unpatriotic” for maintaining overseas manufacturing and floated the idea of “significant tariffs” if they fail to comply.
Economists and political analysts alike were quick to point out the market implications. Mere mention of such drastic measures caused volatility in tech and auto stocks on early trading reports—hence Kinzinger’s claim of market manipulation.
Trump’s critics argue his statements are not rooted in real policy-making but are attempts to manipulate investor sentiment and energize his populist base. Kinzinger’s use of the phrase “stock market manipulation” taps into broader fears that Trump’s rhetoric often skirts legal and ethical boundaries, with little to no consequence, so far.
The phrase “You will be held accountable eventually” carries a not-so-veiled warning: just because Trump has evaded legal accountability to date doesn’t mean the clock won’t eventually catch up to him.
As Trump continues to escalate his trade war rhetoric and dangle economic chaos as campaign theater, expect voices like Kinzinger’s to grow louder—and more pointed. If there’s one takeaway from today’s digital blitz, don’t expect this war of words (or tariffs) to cool off any time soon.
Published: May 23, 2025 12:11 pm