Trump Engages in Multi-Front Trade War as Canada and EU Respond | Political News
Donald Trump has launched a new offensive against the EU during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin in the Oval Office.
The President of the United States remarked that he did not wish “to do anything to harm Ireland,” yet emphasized that the trade relationship between the nations should center on “fairness.”
This follows the president’simplementation of 25% tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports into the US, which prompted Canada to introduce retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth $29.8 billion (£16 billion) starting tomorrow, and the EU to levy counter tariffs on €26 billion (£22 billion) of US goods beginning April 1.
Simultaneously, Sir Keir Starmer expressed disappointment over the president’s application of global tariffs on steel and aluminum, pledging to “keep all options open” regarding how the UK would react.
During Mr. Trump’s discussion with Mr. Martin, the president highlighted the “massive” trade deficit between the two nations, claiming that Ireland was “obviously” profiting from the US.
He also stated that the EU was “designed to take advantage of the United States.”
When asked by Sky News’ Ireland correspondent Stephen Murphy whether Ireland was similarly taking advantage, Mr. Trump responded: “Of course they are.”
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He further stated: “I have great respect for Ireland, for what they did, and they should have done what they did. But the United States shouldn’t have allowed that to transpire. We had foolish leaders who were unaware.”
“Suddenly, Ireland possesses our pharmaceutical firms; this exquisite island of five million has the entire US pharmaceutical industry under its control.”
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Mr. Trump expressed his affection for Ireland, where he owns a golf course, but lamented that the US should not have been “so naïve for so many years, not just with Ireland, but with everyone else.”
Numerous US pharmaceutical corporations have established manufacturing facilities in Ireland due to its low 12.5% corporate tax rate.
Irish companies then pay a royalty fee to their US parent firms to utilize their formulas for production, meaning that Ireland could be the EU member nation hardest impacted by Mr. Trump’s 25% tariffs.
‘I would have imposed 200% tariffs’
Mr. Trump remarked that had he been president when those firms began relocating to Ireland, he would have implemented a 200% tariff to prevent them from selling in the US, ensuring they “stayed here.”
The President indicated his desire to see American pharmaceutical companies return to the US, but anticipated that Mr. Martin would “strive on that matter.”
He also confirmed to Sky News that he would “absolutely” impose tariffs on cars from the EU.
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Mr. Trump accused past presidents of having “lost significant sectors” of the US economy and claimed the EU “treats us very poorly,” referencing a recent legal decision against Apple.
“They have not been fair. They sue our companies and win huge sums of money. They sued Apple, won 17 billion US dollars and it appears they use that for other purposes, possibly to operate the European Union,” he stated.
“So I’m not criticizing it. They’re doing what they ought to be doing, perhaps for the EU; however, it does breed resentment – and as you know, we will be implementing reciprocal tariffs, so whatever they impose on us, we will impose back. No one can contest that.”
‘Great privilege’ to meet Irish Taoiseach
Despite his criticisms of Ireland, Mr. Trump stated it was a “great honor” to have the Taoiseach in the White House.
He noted that the US possesses “tremendous” business relationships in Ireland “that will only continue to strengthen.”
Reporters asked questions in a manner similar to the Zelenskyy meeting. Pic: Reuters
The US leader mentioned that his personal bond with Mr. Martin is “very, very strong and very, very good,” while expressing gratitude for his visit to Washington, D.C. to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.
He added that Mr. Martin did not appear “nervous” about the issue of tariffs during their conversation.
Prime Minister emphasizes Irish investment in the US
The Taoiseach commended Mr. Trump’s efforts in “peace initiatives” and stated that the two nations share a “very good, historic relationship.”
However, hinting at the tariffs enacted by Mr. Trump, Mr. Martin remarked: “It’s a two-way street. We are investing significantly more in America.”
He expressed understanding for Mr. Trump’s viewpoint, but also noted that Irish firms Ryanair and Aercap “procure more Boeing” planes than any other company outside the US.
