The Trump administration is in a combative mood, but Trump himself has been on a warpath for much longer. His statements on Truth Social, a social network he’s said to own, are often outrageous in their style, tone, and context.
He doesn’t hold back. His latest outburst is over tariffs, a form of economic policy that is often used as a defensive measure. Trump is determined to make sure he protects America from every angle. He’s lashed out at the EU in a particular post.
“The European Union, one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World, which was formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States, has just put a nasty 50% Tariff on Whisky. If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES. This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S.”
He says the EU is “hostile”, and “abusive” in its taxes and tariff’s. However, he launches his own broadside. The threat is a 200% tariff on alcohol from EU states, a massive sweep at trade. The hypocrisy is evident in the way he says it, and the policy.
The motive must come from his own advisors, but Trump has a way of making things clear. His business sense is to return like for like. If a prisoner is taken, he takes one too. The trouble is that such humour isn’t shared on both sides of the Atlantic.
