Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariff rollout has prompted backlash, confusion—and now, viral memes featuring penguins.
Among the dozens of countries and territories hit with new import levies, the US president’s announcement included a 10% tariff on goods from the Heard and McDonald Islands, an Australian territory in the sub-Antarctic that has no permanent human population. Its only known residents: penguins, seals and seabirds.
The internet wasted no time responding. Social media platforms were flooded with memes poking fun at the perceived absurdity of taxing an island with no people and no known commercial exports.
The online reaction came amid broader concerns that Trump’s tariffs—coupled with steep duties on major economies like China, Japan, and Vietnam—could accelerate a downturn in the US economy. Markets have tumbled since the announcement, with analysts warning of higher consumer prices and possible recession
“The penguin memes are a way for people to cope with the anxiety,” said Ellen Wu, a social media researcher at Columbia University. “It’s humour born out of economic confusion and policy fatigue.”
Despite the online ridicule, the White House has defended the inclusion of the Heard and McDonald Islands, citing their status as part of Australia, which is subject to the universal 10% tariff.
Trump’s tariff campaign has also drawn criticism for targeting remote locations with no trade links to the US, including Norway’s Jan Mayen island and the British Indian Ocean Territory.
