Trump Hosts Irish PM Micheál Martin, Warns EU Over Retaliatory Tariffs/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At a White House meeting with Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Trump vowed to retaliate after the EU announced $28 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods. The president criticized Ireland’s tax policies, accusing them of luring U.S. companies overseas. Canada and Europe have already responded, escalating the ongoing trade war.
Trump’s Trade Battle with EU and Ireland: Quick Looks
- EU Tariff Showdown: Trump promised a response to the EU’s planned tariffs on U.S. goods next month.
- Ireland’s Role: Trump claimed Ireland’s tax system has unfairly attracted U.S. companies, worsening the trade deficit.
- Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: The U.S. reinstated 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, affecting global trade.
- Canada’s Retaliation: Canada imposed C$29.8 billion in tariffs on U.S. metals, electronics, and sports goods.
- Global Economic Impact: The European Commission is set to impose counter-tariffs, further intensifying the trade war.
- Trump’s Economic Justification: He argued that tariffs would help rebuild U.S. manufacturing after years of trade imbalances.
- Irish PM Calls for Gaza Aid: During the meeting, Micheál Martin urged increased humanitarian aid and a ceasefire.
- Trump’s Stance on Gaza: Trump denied any forced displacement of Palestinians amid growing international concerns.
Trump Hosts Irish PM Micheál Martin, Warns EU Over Retaliatory Tariffs
Deep Look: Trump’s Trade War Escalates as EU and Canada Retaliate
Trump Vows to Hit Back at EU’s $28B in Tariffs
At a White House meeting with Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin, President Donald Trump warned of retaliation against the European Union, following the bloc’s announcement of $28 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods. The move comes in response to Trump’s new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, a measure designed to protect U.S. manufacturers but one that has drawn swift global backlash.
“Of course I will respond,” Trump told reporters before his Oval Office meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
Trump also took aim at Ireland’s tax policies, accusing them of luring U.S. pharmaceutical and tech companies away from America.
“There’s a massive deficit that we have with Ireland and with other countries,” Trump said. “I have great respect for Ireland, but the United States shouldn’t have let this happen.”
Canada and EU Hit Back with Counter-Tariffs
The EU’s planned tariffs mirror Canada’s retaliation, announced just hours earlier.
- Canada imposed C$29.8 billion in tariffs on U.S. metals, computers, and sports goods.
- The European Commission will target a similar range of products next month, further tightening trade relations.
- Canada’s central bank cut interest rates to help stabilize its economy amid the escalating tariff battle.
These measures underscore how Trump’s tariffs are triggering a global trade war, with U.S. allies responding with their own economic defenses.
Trump’s Economic Justification: ‘Tariffs Will Rebuild U.S. Industry’
Despite widespread concerns over economic fallout, Trump defended his approach, arguing that higher tariffs would bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
“We are rebuilding our economy by protecting American businesses. No country should be taking advantage of us,” Trump said.
However, critics warn that retaliatory tariffs will hurt U.S. exporters, as higher costs get passed down to consumers.
Ireland’s Prime Minister Calls for Gaza Aid and Ceasefire
During the White House meeting, Irish PM Micheál Martin shifted focus to Gaza, calling for:
- Increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
- A ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
Trump, however, pushed back against concerns about forced displacement in Palestinian territories, stating:
“No one is expelling anyone.”
What’s Next? Trade War Tensions on the Rise
With the EU and Canada enforcing retaliatory tariffs, analysts warn of:
- Potential new rounds of U.S. trade penalties targeting European and Canadian industries.
- Rising prices for American consumers, as tariffs drive up costs for imported goods.
- Escalating diplomatic tensions, particularly with U.S. allies who have long supported free trade agreements.
As Trump doubles down on his tariff strategy, the global economy braces for further instability, with businesses and consumers caught in the crossfire.
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