Staff Reports
With the gusto of a negotiator who knows his worth, President Trump has set his sights on putting a whopping 25% tariff on products from the European Union. During a recent Cabinet meeting, he transparently articulated his frustration with the bloc, which he believes is less of an ally and more of a rival determined to “screw the United States.” This, of course, is a sentiment that many Americans can get behind, as a healthy dose of skepticism towards international trade agreements never hurt.
The president’s focus turns sharply toward automobiles, a sector where the EU has shown itself less than welcoming to American-made vehicles. In typical Trump fashion, he pointed out the absurdity of the situation, where the U.S. is reportedly facing about a $300 million trade deficit with Europe. As if that weren’t enough, he lamented the rejection of American farm products, leaving farmers scratching their heads as to why their high-quality goods aren’t received with open arms across the pond.
In a move that sends a clear message to Europe, Trump appears unperturbed by the potential fallout from retaliatory tariffs. The president confidently asserted that the U.S. is the “pot of gold” in the global market, which is true considering that when it comes to trade, America’s consumer power is unmatched. It seems he believes that Europe can flex all it wants, but in the end, it’s the U.S. that holds the cards in this game of international chess.
Trump: Europe should expect a 25% tariff, ‘generally speaking’https://t.co/wROulCHzHz pic.twitter.com/cF29gIuf2n
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 27, 2025
This tariff announcement comes on the heels of Trump’s robust trade policy that has already hit China with a new 10% tariff and enforced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from every corner of the globe. The stakes keep rising, and Canada and Mexico should also keep their eyes peeled, as the president may extend his muscular approach to North American trade as well.
With the arena set for a potential trade showdown, the conservative base is likely to cheer on Trump’s aggressive stance. After all, the mantra of putting America first resonates strongly in a nation tired of being taken for a ride by foreign powers. Whether it be cars, corn, or steel, Americans could be seeing a much-needed shake-up in how trade is handled, with an unapologetic president who isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers for the sake of the American economy.
