President Donald Trump revived a controversial and unsubstantiated financial claim this week, telling a story about billions of dollars mysteriously appearing from tariffs. The anecdote, which critics have labeled a myth, was met with immediate skepticism and ridicule online.
The 'Tariff Shelf' Anecdote Repeats
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Trump digressed into a familiar tale. He claimed that officials are "finding money in our country now that they never knew existed." The president specifically cited a sum of $30 billion, suggesting it was discovered on a so-called "tariff shelf."
According to Trump's account, when he advised aides to check this shelf, they initially told him the relevant tariff had not yet started. He insisted it began two months prior, after which they allegedly called back to confirm he was right and the money was indeed from tariffs. "Now, we have a whole different country," Trump concluded.
Economists and Critics Dismiss the Claim
The story was quickly dismissed as economic fantasy. A Yale economist, speaking to HuffPost back in October, characterized the idea that Trump's tariff strategy baffles government economists as "hogwash." While the revenue-generating potential of tariffs is debated, their role in increasing consumer prices is widely acknowledged as a negative effect.
On social media platform X, the reaction was swift and scornful. One observer quipped, "Of all the things that didn't happen, this didn't happen the most." Another user noted the repetitive nature of Trump's storytelling, writing, "The 'tariff shelf' myth refuses to die—same recycled whopper since summer, zero proof."
Context and Consequences
This is not the first time Trump has used this specific narrative. HuffPost has previously described it as part of his "heroic myth," where he alone uncovers hidden solutions. One official has even characterized the tariff tale as a "metaphor" rather than a factual account.
Beyond the political rhetoric, there are real-world implications. The sweeping tariffs implemented by the Trump administration are expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court. Their economic impact, particularly on inflation and trade relations, remains a subject of intense study and debate among policy experts.
For now, the "tariff shelf" story stands as a persistent piece of political lore, repeatedly cited by the president but lacking any corroborating evidence, and serving as a lightning rod for both support and criticism of his economic policies.
