On a recent episode of Deadline White House, Nicolle Wallace didn’t hold back in her criticism of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s responses to questions on tariffs. Joined by Annie Lowrey of The Atlantic, former Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill, and Canadian business journalist Amanda Lang, Wallace dissected the Trump administration’s apparent lack of grasp on tariff policy and its broader economic implications.

Wallace summarized the exchange with a searing remark: “She’s either tragically uniformed, or lying,” referring to Leavitt’s answers that failed to address the real issues behind the tariffs. According to Wallace, Leavitt’s responses—and by extension, the economic policies of her bosses—are not only out of touch with global trade realities but are also actively spooking stock markets and undermining American confidence in the economy.

The panel highlighted several concerns:

• Economic Mismanagement: Lowrey, McCaskill, and Lang argued that the administration’s approach to tariffs seems more politically motivated than rooted in sound economic strategy. This disconnect, they warned, could fuel market volatility and damage long-term economic stability.
• Global Trade Risks: McCaskill noted that the administration’s missteps risk damaging the United States’ standing in international trade, while Lang pointed out that inconsistent tariff policies are already rattling markets in Canada and beyond.
• Eroding Trust: The panel underscored that Leavitt’s evasive and contradictory responses do little to instill confidence among investors or the public. Instead, they contribute to a growing narrative that the current economic policies are not being managed with the necessary expertise or transparency.

Wallace and her colleagues called on the administration to reexamine its tariff strategy and communicate more clearly with both the markets and American citizens. They argued that in times of global economic uncertainty, clear and informed policy is crucial—not only to maintain stability but also to protect the nation’s credibility on the world stage.

As the debate over tariff policy intensifies, the comments from Deadline White House serve as a stark reminder: without coherent economic leadership, the repercussions could extend far beyond temporary market jitters, threatening the broader financial well-being of the country.