French Prime Minister: Europe May Be “Crushed” if It Does Not Respond to Trump
French Prime Minister François Bayrou warned that France and the European Union could be “crushed” by the policies of Donald Trump, who was sworn in on Monday, unless they take action.
He added, “The United States has decided to pursue an incredibly dominant policy through the dollar, industrial policy, and by taking over all research and investments.” He continued, “If we don’t do anything, we will be subjected to dominance, crushed, and marginalized… It is up to us, the French and Europeans, to take control.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barot warned on Saturday, “If our interests are harmed, we will respond,” as Trump’s return to power signals a stormy trade and diplomatic relationship between Washington and the European Union.
Barot said in an interview with West France newspaper: “Who benefits from a trade war between the United States and Europe? The Americans have a trade deficit with us, but the opposite is true in terms of investment. Many American interests and companies are present in Europe.”
Trump, who returns to the White House on Monday, has threatened to impose heavy tariffs on Europeans, particularly expecting the European Union to buy more U.S. oil and gas and reduce its trade surplus with the United States.
