NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Trump Hits Mexico and EU With Tariffs, Sparks Global Backlash
President Donald Trump made waves over the weekend with a major trade announcement targeting both Mexico and the European Union. Starting August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 30% tariff on imported goods from Mexico and EU countries, citing persistent trade imbalances and national security concerns — particularly cartel activity and weak border enforcement from Mexico.
Trump announced the move through two public letters posted on Truth Social. These new tariffs are separate from any existing sector-specific tariffs and are aimed at closing loopholes like transshipped goods, which Trump says are being used to avoid penalty.
In his letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump made it clear: “Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT what Mexico has done, is not enough.” He cited the ongoing power of cartels and fentanyl traffickers as justification. The tariff on Mexican goods will jump from 25% to 30% beginning in August.
In a separate letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump pointed to “long-term, large, and persistent trade deficits” with EU nations. He described EU trade practices as non-reciprocal and a threat to America’s economic security.
Trump warned that any retaliatory tariffs would be met with an increase in the U.S. tariff rate. “Whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 30% that we charge,” he stated.
The backlash came swiftly. Ursula von der Leyen responded via X (formerly Twitter), saying, “A 30% tariff on EU exports would hurt businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.” She added that the EU remains open to negotiation but is preparing proportionate countermeasures.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the disapproval, urging the EU Commission to fast-track preparation of “credible countermeasures.” He emphasized the need for European unity and warned that anti-coercion tools may be deployed if no resolution is reached before the deadline.
According to the latest 2025 trade data, Mexico is the United States’ top trading partner. Germany, Italy, France, and the Netherlands all rank within the top 15. The tariff announcement could have ripple effects across a broad swath of industries including automotive, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
With this sweeping move, Trump has now targeted over two dozen nations and the entire 27-member EU with tariffs during his presidency. It’s the clearest sign yet that he’s doubling down on his “America First” trade strategy — no matter the diplomatic fallout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfqG5WRroBc
