With the 2024 election finally in the rearview mirror, Donald Trump is back on his way to the White House, and he’s already making waves. Turns out, those campaign promises on tariffs and fair trade weren’t just for the rallies. Just days after his victory, European leaders are suddenly very interested in keeping Trump’s tariffs out of their lives. Guess that America-first agenda really does get people’s attention.
For years, Trump’s critics on the left have had a field day with their scare stories about tariffs, insisting that any move to level the trade playing field would cripple American consumers and hike prices to the moon. But here we are, just a few days post-election, and European leaders are practically tripping over each other to make nice with Trump. They’d prefer he not, you know, rock their economic boats with a tariff or two. Funny how quickly their tune changes when it’s their economy on the line.
Europe’s Race to Détente
Trump’s firm stance on fair trade has clearly caught Europe’s attention. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for one, isn’t wasting time; she’s already pitching ideas on how to keep those tariffs at bay. Her proposal? Buy more American liquefied natural gas (LNG). That’s music to American ears, and it looks like Europe’s ready to put its money where its mouth is. Trump’s not even back in office yet, and already they’re considering importing more of our energy.
According to Newsweek, von der Leyen made her first “engagement” phone call to Trump, aiming to avoid a potential trade conflict by offering up European imports of American LNG. Apparently, Europe is ready to negotiate, no tariffs required. Trump didn’t even need to slap any on; the threat alone was enough to get them moving. America 1, Europe 0.
America’s Leverage is Showing
Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized fair trade as a pathway to better deals for American workers and industries. His message was clear: If other countries want access to our markets, they’ll have to play by fair rules. Now, it’s Europe feeling the heat. For years, America’s energy sector has been capable of supplying the world with massive amounts of LNG, and Trump’s policies seem set to give it the boost it needs to thrive.
Von der Leyen’s sudden willingness to negotiate shows just how much America has to offer on the global stage. She even spoke about “common interests” during her call with Trump, framing this as a chance to build “mutual benefits.” You’ve got to love it when a little American backbone brings others to the table without us sacrificing a single advantage.
Energy Independence on the Horizon
Trump’s approach to American energy production is nothing short of refreshing after the Biden administration’s foreign-focused energy policies. While Biden was all about promoting “clean energy” and ramping up dependence on overseas sources, Trump’s back with a focus on homegrown production. And if Europe wants to get in line to buy our LNG, well, all the better.
Here’s the payoff: American energy producers get a solid boost, Europe gains access to reliable American natural gas, and energy prices that skyrocketed under Biden’s policies may just come down a bit. Trump’s trade and energy policies are set to reinvigorate the American economy while reminding the world that we won’t just sit back and get pushed around. And it’s not just American voters cheering this move—American workers, industries, and energy producers are about to see a major win.
Trump’s Return Means Business
Trump’s win signals a clear shift for America’s trade and energy policy on the world stage. We’re no longer going to be the fallback plan for other nations. If Europe wants in, they’re going to pay for it on our terms, and that’s a welcome change after years of watching our leaders cave to foreign interests. With Trump at the helm, America’s poised to reclaim its position as a trade and energy powerhouse. And it’s clear that Europe—along with the rest of the world—is taking notice.
