FAFO Explained: Trump’s Truth Social Post Goes Viral Over Colombia Tariffs

One week has gone by since Donald Trump took the oath of office to become the 47th president of the United States during the inaugural ceremony last Monday (20 January). However, he is getting a lot of attention from people because of his social media post with the phrase “FAFO.” Many people don’t understand the acronym and search for its meaning.

He posted an AI creation depicting himself wearing a Fed cap with a grin next to a set of words written in red, ‘FAFO.' It is more commonly referred to as "F-ing around, finding out." FAFO is a long-time Gen X warning somewhat similar to "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction." 

The Rise of FAFO in Politics

FAFO has become more politically salient in recent years, especially when the stakes are high. For example, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner used the censored version in a press conference during the 2024 U.S. presidential election to warn against tampering with the electoral process. Krasner's comment, “F around and find out,” was directed at anyone looking to disrupt voting in Philadelphia.

On another note, former Democratic congressman Bakari Sellers used the phrase during an appearance on CNN's This Morning to describe what a second Trump term might unleash. Sellers invoked the uncertainty of Trump's first term once more by using FAFO as a code for the chaos that many predict will happen.

Trump's Viral 'FAFO' Post Targets Colombia Tariffs

Trump later stated that all goods coming to the US from Colombia would be subject to immediate tariffs, which would rise from 25 to 50 percent in a single week. Colombia imposed its retaliatory tariffs against Trump's measures. This includes a 50 percent tariff on imports from the US.

"I have learned that a 50 percent tariff is imposed on the accomplishment of our human labor for purposes of entering the US. I follow suit," said Columbia President Gustavo Petro on social media. Therefore, the timing of Trump's 'FAFO' post seemingly suggests that he is not backing down.

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