CNBC host Jim Cramer did not hold back in his criticism of President Donald Trump, accusing him of playing a dangerous game with the U.S. economy and potentially causing a recession. Cramer argued that Trump could be “manufacturing” a recession, or even worse, making things worse on purpose, and likened him to an arsonist for the way he’s handling trade and economic policy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average took a massive hit on Monday, dropping over a thousand points and closing down by 890. This sharp decline came after Trump repeatedly refused to rule out the possibility of a recession during a Fox News interview and a press gaggle on Air Force One over the weekend. The comments rattled markets and sent them into a tailspin, following a week of losses fueled by Trump’s erratic trade policies.
On Tuesday’s Squawk on the Street, Cramer lashed out at Trump’s handling of the economy, explaining that if a recession happens, it will be because of Trump’s own actions. “If we have a recession, banks are the worst stocks. I don’t think we’ll have a recession… it’s manufactured. It’s manufactured,” Cramer declared, stressing that Trump’s policies could make a recession inevitable.
Cramer went on to criticize Trump for stirring up fear and anger with his trade rhetoric, especially toward foreign countries. “When you get angry and you kind of lose your temper… it gets people nervous and upset,” Cramer said. He pointed out that a calm, more diplomatic approach would do much more to solve trade issues than Trump’s current confrontational style.
The CNBC host also made it clear that Trump’s tactics could be repeating the mistakes of the past, citing the disastrous impact of high tariffs during the Great Depression. “There isn’t anyone in any history book… who doesn’t say that wasn’t considered a direct cause of the Depression,” Cramer said, warning that Trump’s actions could lead to similar economic pain.
As the discussion shifted to global markets, Cramer grew more agitated at the sight of foreign stock markets thriving while the U.S. struggles. “Are we really going to let the Italian stock market beat us? Is Spain going to… Spain?! Are you kidding me?!” he exclaimed. His frustration was clear—Trump’s policies are not only risking the economy but also putting America behind other nations in the global market.
Cramer also made it clear that the fear Trump is causing is harmful to the U.S. economy. “People are scared, Carl. You don’t scare people. It’s just the wrong call. It’s all message. People are scared!” Cramer said, urging the president to adopt a more measured tone and not continue sending signals of uncertainty.
In the end, Cramer’s message was stark: Trump’s approach to trade and the economy is reckless, and if the U.S. faces a recession, it will be because of the president’s own actions.
Watch the vide below:
'They're Crushing Us!' CNBC's Jim Cramer Flips Out on Trump Over Stock Market — Says He's 'Manufacturing' a Recession https://t.co/EVpJhYqe5n via @mediaite pic.twitter.com/6K0sa5YwOD
— Tommy moderna-vaX-Topher (@tommyxtopher) March 11, 2025
