US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick breaks down the reasons behind many tariffs, responds to trade criticism, and reveals the ultimate goal of President Donald Trump's negotiation tactics.
President Donald Trump says the United States is involved in “silly trade” rather than “free trade.”
Trump spoke out about his true social account on Thursday after threatening to impose 200% tariffs on alcohol products from France and other European countries, exacerbating the trade wars of US allies.
“There is no free trade in the United States. There is “silly trade.” The whole world is tearing us apart!!!” Trump wrote.
An hour before that message, Trump said, “The European Union, one of the world's most hostile and abusive tax and customs authorities formed for the sole purpose of using the United States, has just placed a nasty 50% tariff on whiskey.
Trump claims Irish tax system is seducing US drugs and threatening to expand the EU trade war
President Donald Trump walks across the Southern Lawn to ride Marine One in the White House on March 7, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images / Getty Images)
“If this tariff is not removed immediately, the US will soon place a 200% tariff on all wines, champagne and alcoholic products representing France and the other EU. This is perfect for the US wine and champagne business,” he added.
French trade minister Laurent Saint-Martin responded to Trump's post on Thursday.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defends Trump's tariff endgame against the fear of a recession
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said “Nothing” would stop Trump's tariff endgame with “Varney & Co.” on wednesday. (Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Trump is “starting an escalation of his chosen trade war,” said San Martin, in a post on X, that it was translated into English. “France is determined to deal with the European Commission and our partners.”
The Trump administration is also engaged in tariffs before and after this week with Canada, a country the president described as “one of the best tariff countries in the world.”
President Donald Trump will speak to members of the South Lawn media before riding a Marine at the Washington, D.C. White House on February 28th. (Reuters/Nathan Howard/Reuters)
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Canada announced an additional $21 billion tariff on the US on Wednesday after Trump's new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum came into effect.
Daniella Genovese of Fox Business contributed to this report.
