According to Trump, Panican refers to individuals he deems “weak and stupid” for panicking over the economic consequences of his tariff policies. It is a portmanteau combining “panic” and “Republican” (or possibly “American”), aimed at mocking those who criticize his decisions.
Trump described it as a “new party” made up of people who are overly anxious about the stock market downturn and other financial disruptions caused by his aggressive trade measures.
In a Truth Social post on April 7, 2025, Trump wrote:
“Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!). Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!”
The term appears to target both Republicans who oppose his tariff strategy and Americans worried about its potential repercussions. Critics have also interpreted it as an attempt to deflect blame for the market turmoil.
The Context Behind ‘Panican’
The emergence of Panican coincides with Trump’s announcement of new tariffs dubbed “Liberation Day Tariffs,” which impose a 10% universal levy on imports from most countries, with higher rates for select nations. These measures have led to significant financial instability, wiping trillions off global markets and sparking fears of a recession.
Trump’s critics argue that these tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices and economic stagnation. In response to the backlash, Trump coined Panican as a way to dismiss concerns and rally his base.
By labelling detractors as Panicans, he seeks to project confidence in his policies while discrediting those who question them.
Reactions to the Term
Unsurprisingly, Panican has generated mixed reactions across social media and political circles:
- Supporters of Trump have embraced the term, using it to mock critics of the tariffs. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted: “PANICANS are losers and failures. Don’t be a PANICAN!!”
- Critics have ridiculed the term as nonsensical and indicative of Trump’s inability to address legitimate concerns. Some have humorously speculated that it might refer to an invasion of Panama and Canada.
- Economists and political commentators have pointed out that the term does little to address the real issues stemming from the tariffs, such as market instability and rising costs for consumers.
The Bigger Picture
The introduction of Panican underscores Trump’s reliance on branding and messaging as tools for political survival. By framing critics as part of a “weak” faction, he aims to solidify support among his base while deflecting accountability for economic challenges.
However, whether this strategy will resonate with voters—or backfire amid growing dissatisfaction with his trade policies—remains to be seen.
As the tariff debate continues, one thing is clear: Panican is yet another example of how language can shape political narratives in today’s polarized climate. Whether it becomes a lasting part of Trump’s lexicon or fades into obscurity will depend on how events unfold in the weeks ahead.