In a moment that had the internet buzzing, US President-elect Donald Trump took a light-hearted jab at CNBC’s Jim Cramer during a live broadcast on Thursday, after ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
While speaking on Squawk on the Street, Trump deflected Cramer’s question about whether Americans should buy more stocks, saying, “I don’t want to get into a situation where they do and we have a dip or something because that can always happen. You know that better than anybody in the world. I think you’re the leading authority in going up and going down, but you always end up. He always ends up. That’s the good news”
The quip, a sly nod to Cramer’s reputation for questionable market predictions, left the host momentarily speechless and drew immediate reactions online.
The “Cramer Curse” endures
Cramer, who has earned a reputation for his often-ill-timed market calls, became the target of the internet’s humour following Trump’s remark. Known for the so-called “Cramer Curse,” the Mad Money host has faced criticism for making bold predictions that frequently backfire. Most recently, his bullish endorsement of Bitcoin just days before a 6 per cent dip fuelled the enduring joke about his market influence.
The phenomenon has even inspired the “Inverse Cramer” strategy, where investors do the opposite of his advice.
From stocks to cryptocurrencies, Cramer’s predictions have often triggered tongue-in-cheek reactions, with Elon Musk himself once mocking his Bitcoin endorsement with a laughing emoji on social media.
Internet erupts with reactions
Trump’s direct dig at Cramer was the perfect fodder for social media users, who flooded platforms with their reactions.
“How is Trump so tuned in to culture?” one user wrote. Another quipped, “When your stock advice is getting roasted by the President-elect, you know it’s bad.”
“Even Trump knows about the Cramer Curse,” another chimed in.
Some couldn’t help but appreciate Trump’s unfiltered commentary. “Not a Trump fan but I do need to give 💐 to anyone who trolls Cramer to his FACE. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Others praised Trump’s humour, with comments like, “I love that he has no filter!! The best!!!”
Some users resorted to memes to describe the situation.