I am confident that President Trump will back down under pressure from Germany and Europe.” — Robert Habeck
CNBC
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck expressed confidence that U.S. President Donald Trump would be compelled to reverse his newly imposed tariffs under pressure from Germany and the European Union. Habeck emphasized the importance of a unified European response, stating, “I am confident that President Trump will back down under pressure from Germany and Europe.”
The tariffs, which include a 10% baseline duty on nearly all imports and higher tariffs on countries with large trade surpluses, have sparked concerns within the EU. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have condemned the measures as “brutal and unfounded,” suggesting possible retaliatory actions. These could include suspending investments in the U.S. and targeting U.S. tech firms with new taxes.
Habeck further highlighted that a coordinated European effort was crucial in influencing U.S. policy. While diplomatic negotiations remain a possibility, he warned that the EU was prepared to take collective action if necessary to protect its economic interests.