Trump Drives Markets With Battleship And Tariff Shocks

In March 2026 President Trump announced at a 'Shield of the Americas' summit and via Truth Social a push for "100x more powerful" battleships, $166 billion in tariff refunds, and fresh threats to Iran and Europe, sparking market volatility. The S&P 500 fell 1.4% and the Nasdaq 2.1% on Friday while defense stocks HII and GD rose and WTI crude touched $94.50.