Staff Reports
President Donald Trump’s straightforward, America-first strategy is like a breath of fresh air for his supporters—while the rest of the political world seems to be gasping for something, anything, just to survive. In a move that showcases his commitment to prioritizing U.S. interests, Trump has ramped up his use of tariffs, much to the chagrin of politicians and bureaucrats on both sides of the Atlantic.
Occasionally overshadowed by domestic skirmishes—like Canada bowing out faster than expected after encountering Trump’s tariff threats—Trump has turned his gaze toward Europe with a clear message: he’s not putting up with any nonsense. Not one to mince words, he took to Truth Social to express his disdain for the European Union, which he labeled as both “hostile” and “abusive.” It seems they’ve caught his attention with a new 50% tariff on whisky, and he isn’t playing nice.
Trump’s strategy is simple yet powerful: if the European Union wants to play games with tariffs, the U.S. will up the ante with a retaliatory 200% tariff on French wine, champagne, and other alcoholic beverages. Just imagine the panic rippling through the sommelier community—talk about striking where it hurts. While liberals in the media may dismiss Trump’s moves as mere hot air, the financial markets tell a different story, experiencing a prompt dive when word of his potential tariffs hit the wires.
Trump Threatens Europe with Biggest Tariff Yet After 'Nasty' Move: Trump called the European Union “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the world.” https://t.co/6M3viLQ7fQ pic.twitter.com/4JpZ0RDJ0t
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) March 13, 2025
According to reports, EU stock markets took a nosedive following Trump’s pointed comments. Drink manufacturers were particularly hard-hit, proving that the president’s proclamations can have real-world consequences. Stocks of major beverage companies plummeted shortly after his post, demonstrating that some in Europe are starting to feel the squeeze of Trump’s tariff threats.
Interestingly enough, it’s the beer brands that fared the best in this Euro-drama. Diageo’s Guinness was down only a smidgen, as if anticipating that Americans will continue raising glasses in celebration of homegrown brews instead of surrendering to sanctions from across the pond. Meanwhile, EU countries collectively export over $11 billion in alcoholic drinks to the U.S. each year, with wine making up a hefty portion of that total. Clearly, some European nations are beginning to regret their tariff aggression, with Spain, France, and Italy reportedly urging the EU to leave wine and spirits out of the escalating tariff war.
In this unfolding drama regarding trade, it’s becoming increasingly evident that Trump’s bold approach to international relations is shaking things up. The aftermath of this tariff battle will undoubtedly be fascinating—especially as it highlights the stark contrast between an America-first agenda and the seemingly out-of-touch bureaucrats who believe the U.S. should simply roll over and play nice.
