Donald Trump made threats of sweeping tariffs on U.S. trading partners a key part of his presidential campaign.

Summary

Donald Trump has demanded the European Union reduce its $131.3 billion U.S. trade deficit by purchasing more American oil and gas or face tariffs.

Trump’s comments, posted on Truth Social, come as the EU works to phase out Russian energy imports and diversify suppliers.

EU officials, while open to U.S. energy imports, criticized Trump’s approach as transactional, warning of potential retaliation.

Analysts highlight risks of tariffs to inflation and global trade. The EU plans to engage pragmatically but has prepared for heightened U.S. protectionism under Trump’s leadership.

  • ShadowRam
    36•20 hours ago

    Why don’t the Chinese people do something about Xi? Why don’t the Russians do something about Putin? Why don’t the Israel’s do something about Netanyahu?

    I didn’t decide shit, the rest of these asshats I’m surrounded by did it for me. Leave me out of it.

    • NeilBrüEnglish
      11•19 hours ago

      The world is largely full of masochists ruled by sadists.

      Never underestimate people’s desire for servility in the name of stability.

      The vast majority of people have an exceedingly high tolerance for their own subjugation if it means they don’t have to think or act to avoid pain or responsibility.

      Okay, I admit that I basically said the same thing 3 times with different wording. Personally, I just hope that I’m not as docile as I fear that I am.

      • @[email protected]English
        4•15 hours ago

        Yep. Submission is easy, revolting is hard. That’s pretty much the reason why tyrants exist in the first place.