Several European leaders reacted negatively to President Trump’s tariff announcement.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on social media that she felt the tariffs were misguided and would not help either the U.S. or Italy.
“We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the aim of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players. In any case, as always, we will act in the interest of Italy and its economy, also by discussing with other European partners,” she wrote.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on social media wrote, We don’t want growing trade barriers. We don’t want a trade war … We want to find our way back to a path of trade and cooperation together with the US, so that people in our countries can enjoy a better life.”
Manfred Weber, president of The European People’s Party Group, the largest party in the European Union, said on social media: “Today isn’t liberation day—it’s resentment day. Donald Trump’s tariffs don’t defend fair trade they attack it out of fear and hurt both sides of the Atlantic. Europe stands united, ready to defend its interests, and open to fair, firm talks.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin called the tariffs “deeply regrettable,” adding, “I strongly believe that tariffs benefit no one. My priority, and that of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy.”