TV Ratings: Tariffs Drama Causes Business Nets To Spike

The tariff drama surrounding President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies in April 2025 has proven to be a boon for business news networks like CNBC and Fox Business, capitalizing on the uncertainty and market volatility to drive viewership and engagement. As tariffs—such as the baseline 10% on most imports and escalating rates up to 50% on specific countries like China—unfolded, these networks found themselves at the center of a fast-moving story that gripped investors, businesses, and the public.

 

The network leaned into the drama, offering wall-to-wall coverage of the market swings—stocks surged briefly on the false pause rumor before plummeting again—featuring expert panels with Wall Street heavyweights like JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who warned of inflation and economic slowdown. 

CNBC’s live reporting, including interviews with White House officials dismissing the pause as “fake news,” kept audiences hooked, while its digital platforms saw spikes in traffic as viewers sought clarity amid conflicting headlines. The network’s focus on how tariffs hit tech giants like Tesla and Amazon, alongside practical segments on “winners and losers,” resonated with its business-savvy audience, boosting its relevance during a period of economic unease.

Fox Business, meanwhile, thrived by aligning its coverage with Trump’s narrative, framing the tariffs as a bold move to rebalance trade and revitalize American industry. 

Anchors like Maria Bartiromo championed the policy, with segments featuring Trump’s economic advisors like Kevin Hassett, who downplayed fears of a “nuclear winter” on “Fox & Friends.” The network’s coverage of Trump’s social media posts—such as his threat of 50% tariffs on China if retaliatory measures weren’t dropped—drove a feedback loop with its audience, amplifying the administration’s messaging. Fox Business also capitalized on the Rust Belt angle, spotlighting lawmakers like Ohio Rep. Michael Rulli, who praised the tariffs’ early impact on industrial towns, appealing to its core viewership. 

Both networks saw tangible benefits: CNBC’s minute-by-minute market analysis catered to traders and CEOs, while Fox Business’s pro-Trump spin energized its loyal base.