US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping 20% tariffs on imports from the European Union and additional duties on nearly all of America’s major trading partners. Calling it “Liberation Day,” Trump’s move has triggered a wave of strong reactions from global leaders, many of whom warn of an impending trade war.
EU: “A Major Blow to the World Economy”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen strongly condemned the move, calling it "deeply regrettable." She warned that the tariffs would have an immediate impact on millions of citizens, leading to higher grocery, medication, and transportation costs.
"President Trump’s announcement is a major blow to the world economy. I deeply regret this choice."
Despite her criticism, von der Leyen urged dialogue and said the EU was prepared to respond if necessary.
Canada: “We Will Fight Back”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took to Twitter to announce countermeasures, vowing to protect Canadian workers.
"We're going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures. We are going to protect our workers and we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7."
UK & Australia: Cautious but Critical
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a measured approach, stating that while Trump acted in US interests, Britain would act in its own.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a scathing critique.
"This is not the act of a friend."
However, Australia has decided not to impose retaliatory tariffs at this time.
Other Global Reactions
- Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal Martin called the tariffs "bad for the world economy."
- Italy’s Giorgia Meloni deemed them "wrong" but said she hoped for a diplomatic solution.
Amidst the backlash, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged countries not to retaliate, warning that doing so could escalate the situation further.
What’s Next?
With global leaders divided on how to respond, the question remains: Will Trump’s “Liberation Day” spark a full-fledged trade war?
