Commercial war proclaimed: Trump explains Europe the fight!

Commercial war proclaimed: Trump explains Europe the fight!

USA - Today, on April 2, 2025, foreign policy expert Kurt Seinitz analyzes the current geopolitical situation under Donald Trump's presidency. The president has declared a "day of liberation" and declared a comprehensive trade war against the whole world. This includes the introduction of tariffs to all goods from all countries. Trump sees himself in a conflict between the United States and the rest of the world, with Europe, as the most loyal allied ally in the United States so far, is particularly the focus of its criticism.

In his statements, Trump sharply criticizes the European Union and describes it as weak. He emphasizes the EU's VAT as an example of an anti -American distortion of competition. While Russia is viewed positively in Trump's eyes, the tariffs against China, which he treats with respect for his economic strength, are a measure that underlines its aggressive economic policy. This way of acting is interpreted as a relapse into an imperialist expansion of power in the 19th century. The Krone reports that this new strategy trumps strongly affects international relationships.

European reactions and the Ukraine conflict

The trade war coincides with a critical time for transatlantic relationships. Since the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022, support for Ukraine and the response to the breach of international law by Russia has developed into a central topic in the ratio of Germany and Europe to the USA. In this context, the United States plays a central role in coordinating the reactions and emphasized President Bidens entitlement to international management position.

War in Europe has illustrated the security policy dependence of European allies on the United States. While the bidue government is striving for emphasized international cooperation, there are conflicts with the EU, especially with regard to inflation reduction act (IRA). This aims at a green turn of the American economy and is related to the implementation of the Paris climate goals.

inner tensions and outlook on the future

The domestic political situation in the USA remains polarized. In particular, Trump's refusal to recognize the result of the presidential election, and the storm on the Capitol have tightened the political tensions. Nevertheless, the trouble -free intermediate elections 2022 and the success of moderate candidates in controversial constituencies have contributed something to the stability of democracy.

Nevertheless, growing ideological differences between the parties lead to uncertainties for transatlantic relationships. China's rise is perceived by the American side as a long -term challenge. It remains to be seen how transatlantic relationships will develop under a potentially re -elected Trump. The information about US politics and transatlantic relationships are summarized in a dossier of SWP Berlin