President Donald Trump's announcement of new US tariffs has led to intense reactions worldwide. The trade union IG Metall demanded a decisive and united response from Europeans to protect domestic industry from the economic consequences. Leading European politicians warned that an escalation of the trade conflict could endanger global economic growth.
Within the Italian government coalition, there is disagreement on how to handle the measures. While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is in contact with Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and shows willingness to talk, representatives of the Lega party welcomed the tariffs as an opportunity for national markets. Meloni emphasized that Trump shows interest in the arguments of his partners.
Alongside the trade policy tensions, Trump intensified his foreign policy stance towards Tehran. He explicitly called for a change of government in Iran, signaling a departure from previous diplomatic restraint. International partners observe this development with concern, as there are fears of destabilization in the region.
