Summary
Donald Trump has demanded the European Union reduce its $131.3 billion U.S. trade deficit by purchasing more American oil and gas or face tariffs.
Trump’s comments, posted on Truth Social, come as the EU works to phase out Russian energy imports and diversify suppliers.
EU officials, while open to U.S. energy imports, criticized Trump’s approach as transactional, warning of potential retaliation.
Analysts highlight risks of tariffs to inflation and global trade. The EU plans to engage pragmatically but has prepared for heightened U.S. protectionism under Trump’s leadership.
The world is largely full of masochists ruled by sadists.
Never underestimate people’s desire for servility in the name of stability.
The vast majority of people have an exceedingly high tolerance for their own subjugation if it means they don’t have to think or act to avoid pain or responsibility.
Okay, I admit that I basically said the same thing 3 times with different wording. Personally, I just hope that I’m not as docile as I fear that I am.
Yep. Submission is easy, revolting is hard. That’s pretty much the reason why tyrants exist in the first place.