- Dave Portnoy slammed Trump for blaming Biden as markets tanked during his first 100 days.
- Trump insisted the downturn isn’t his fault and promised a future economic boom driven by tariffs.
- Despite losing millions, Portnoy briefly reunited with Trump but warned he may vote Democrat if things don’t improve.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is once again taking aim at Donald Trump — this time over the nosediving stock market that’s cast a shadow over the president’s second term.
With markets nearly 8% down in Trump’s first 100 days — the worst showing since the Nixon era — Trump went on Truth Social to point the finger at Joe Biden, claiming he inherited a mess. But Portnoy wasn’t buying it.
Posting a screenshot of Trump’s rant, Portnoy hit back on X: “What’s that old expression? Don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining?” He called out Trump’s attempt to blame the so-called “Biden overhang,” saying bluntly, “This is his market, not Biden’s.”
Trump Blames Biden, Says the Boom’s Coming — Just Be “Patient”
Trump defended himself, saying his tariffs had nothing to do with the dip and that big investments were already flowing in. “Tariffs will soon start kicking in,” he wrote, “and companies are starting to move into the USA in record numbers.” He promised a booming economy — eventually — but admitted it’d “take a while.”
Yet numbers told another story. A new report showed the GDP shrank by 0.3%, and hiring tanked. His approval rating? Sitting at a rough 39%, the lowest at this stage for any president in nearly 80 years. Polls also showed over 70% of Americans think his policies could cause a recession — and even 51% of Republicans agree.
Portnoy’s Not Holding Back, Even as He Hangs Out With Trump
Portnoy’s been loud about the financial hit he’s taken since Trump’s tariff announcements. In an April rant, he said he didn’t fully understand the new trade policy but admitted being down $7 million — later updating that figure to $20 million, saying he lost 20% of his net worth. He even threatened to vote Democrat if the economy doesn’t turn around.
Still, days later, Portnoy was seen greeting Trump at UFC 314 in Miami, where they shook hands, hugged, and exchanged a few friendly words. He later said he complimented Trump’s “water pressure” stance, of all things — a moment that confused a lot of his followers.
But Portnoy pushed back on the criticism. “I’m getting people saying, ‘You’re such a scumbag… you said you’d vote Democrat if the economy tanks.’ Like I’m the only one who cares about the economy?” he said on Barstool Rundown.
Markets Still on a Rollercoaster, But Tariffs Keep Hitting
Meanwhile, the markets remain shaky. Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs sent indexes plunging, only to bounce slightly after he introduced pauses and exemptions — including one conveniently timed with a Michigan visit, sparing automakers from double 25% duties on parts and steel.
But with 64% of Americans disapproving of his tariffs, the pressure’s mounting. And even former allies like Portnoy are getting louder.
Whether Trump can turn things around — or keep his base from peeling away — might depend on what comes next… or how deep this dip goes.
