CNN was left red-faced as a broadcaster questioned Americans about the controversial tariffs recently imposed by President Donald Trump. Alongaside a breaking news banner which read: “Americans workers love tariffs,” the channel took to the streets after the US leader announced a 90-day pause Wednesday on higher band tariffs with the exception of China, which he raised to 125% on the same day.

After one member of the public was asked: “How do you feel about the tariffs?” They stated: “Well, I feel like for years we’ve been getting ripped off, and why not make it fair, zero, zero? I think Trump was upfront about it; he said we’re going to hurt some now. As a second added: “I think some of the countries, they’re already starting to come around. It’s going to be good, I really believe that,” when asked if she has “faith in Trump,” the woman confirmed: “Yes, I do.” The clip went viral on social media as certain X users questioned the news organisation’s motives for airing the segment; one penned: “Credit to CNN for actually airing it.”

Another remarked: “They didn’t expect this group of southerners to understand tariffs, and it backfired.”

One exclaimed: “CNN’s attempts to highlight Americans’ complaining about tariffs, BACKFIRED,” as a third shared: “It was at this moment CNN realized they f***** up.”

Alongside laughing emojis, another put: “Well…THAT didn’t go as planned…”

During the broadcast, another American said: “I think he’s doing the right thing. In order for us to get back to where we need to be, he needs to get the money somewhere, and they’re charging us; why not charge them?”

On Wednesday, Trump announced a 90-day pause on his tariff increases after receiving growing pressure from financial markets, which began to negatively impact the stock and bond markets.

On the same day, the US President also declared an eye-watering hike in tariffs on China which rose from 84% to 125%.

The following day, it was reported the S&P 500 dropped 2.8% following the opening of US markets, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite tumbled 3.5%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell almost 1,000 points, or 2.2%.

Meanwhile, in London the FTSE 100 made early gains, surging nearly 6% on opening, while Asian markets also reacted positively to the news with Japan’s Nikkei rose 8.2%, and the Hang Seng Tech Index gained 3.1%.