LA MALBAIE, Quebec (AP) — President Donald Trump delivered a stern warning on trade to foreign countries at the Group of Seven summit on Saturday, advising trading partners not to retaliate against U.S. tariffs on the imports of steel and aluminum. “If they retaliate, they’re making a mistake,” Trump declared.
Trump told reporters he pressed for “fair and reciprocal” trade practices at the G-7 meeting in Canada, urging his foreign counterparts to eliminate all tariffs, trade barriers and subsidies in their trading practices. The president has been at odds with key allies over the new tariffs, which dominated his talks with the leaders of major industrialized nations in the Canadian resort town. In addition to the U.S. and Canada, the group includes Britain, Italy, France, Germany and Japan.
The president said the U.S. was “pretty close” to reaching an agreement on the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico and had discussed two types of sunset provisions in which any of the countries could leave the deal. Trump said the final outcome would lead either to a better agreement on NAFTA or separate trade deals with both Canada and Mexico.
Shortly before his arrival at the two-day summit, Trump injected additional controversy by suggesting that the G-7 offer a seat at the table to Russia, which was ousted from the group after it annexed Crimea in 2014. The president said Saturday that re-admitting Russia to the elite club would be “an asset,” telling reporters, “we’re looking for peace in the world.” Trump said he had not spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a while.
Trump was departing the Canadian summit several hours early, heading to Singapore for his summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un on what he called a “mission of peace.”
I’m fine with this becuz I always respond well when someone tells me they’re going to f*#k me, my family and friends over but I’d better not do anything about it.
Yah, I just roll over and show my belly, you’d do the same amIright?
Of course they’re going to retaliate. Because they have to stop Trump, for their own existential security. And they know that a trade war will damage his electoral prospects, big time. And the upside for the EU, at least, is that an economic attack by the USA will give the bloc a reason to unite, which they haven’t had for a long time.
Meanwhile NATO is as good as dead. Just want to mention that. Trump will OK any Russian expansionism, not that this seems imminent. All the countries bordering Russia need to be very vigilant: the Baltic states, Ukraine. Scandinavia is not safe either. Hence this very strange, disturbing development in Sweden:
Yep: in a war or conflict between Russia and Sweden, the USA will be on Russia’s side.
Footnote: the way it would work would be like this. Canada, France, Germany, etc, would be characterized by Trump as an extension of the Democratic party–as detestable liberals. That would fire up 40% of Americans, most of whom have no clue about any of these countries and wouldn’t know the Netherlands from Nicaragua. The only possible fly in the ointment is the UK, because the UK is actually on the map for Americans. But the UK is going through its own political crisis on Brexit, and that has weakened its resolve, powers, and standing.
It appears the guy who “graduated first in my class from Wharton” yet never made the Dean’s List even once doesn’t understand the most basic principles of economics.
I’m beginning to think this may have contributed somewhat to his endless list of failed businesses.
It’s what a bully does …
Especially one who’s never been knocked on his ass before —
The aforementioned whooping … would be the best thing to happen …
( oh … poor donnie’s base ) …
So much winning ! —
Maybe tRump’s base but not the military… No way that happens.
Might be a good time to recall some Ambassadors to their home countries for consultation, get the attention of Congress.