Steve Bannon, a prominent ally of Donald Trump, has issued a stark warning to European leaders about the looming threat of tariffs.
In a recent interview with Italian media, the former White House Chief Strategist made it clear that America’s foreign policy is set for a dramatic shift under the new administration, emphasizing that Europe should be “scared” as the United States rethinks its relationship with the continent.
America’s Growing Isolation from Europe
Bannon, who remains a key figure in Trump’s “MAGA” movement, stated that the U.S. no longer needs assistance from European countries.
He criticized Europe for what he described as “abusing” the U.S. through unbalanced trade deals and called for an end to American defense spending in Europe.
“We will not pay for your defense while you hit us with unbalanced trade deals. Yes, tariffs are coming,” Bannon declared.
He stressed that the free market era is over, and Europe will soon have to pay for access to the U.S. market.
The End of NATO’s Influence?
The conversation turned to the war in Ukraine, which remains a critical issue in the transatlantic relationship.
Bannon reinforced Trump’s campaign promises to bring U.S. troops home and focus on America’s own needs, including cutting funds to Ukraine.
He criticized NATO’s actions, specifically its expansion toward Russian borders, and suggested that Trump’s approach would diverge sharply from that of other Western leaders.
Sources close to Trump’s transition team revealed that one proposal being considered is delaying Ukraine’s potential NATO membership for at least 20 years, in exchange for arms deals.
European Leaders Respond to Trump’s Election
As European leaders gathered in Paris to prepare for the possible return of Trump to the White House, tensions were palpable.
Some, like French President Emmanuel Macron, are calling for more strategic independence from the U.S.
Macron argued that Europe must have the strength to write its own history rather than follow the agendas of other global powers like Russia, China, or the U.S.
Potential Exemptions for the UK
Bannon’s tough stance on tariffs extends to the broader European landscape, but there may be one exception: the United Kingdom.
Following Brexit, discussions about a U.S.-UK free trade agreement had stalled under the Biden administration, but some believe that Trump may bypass tariffs on British goods due to the special relationship between the two nations.
Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat with ties to Trump, suggested that Trump might view the UK favorably after Brexit, potentially sparing it from the economic consequences facing other European countries.
The Changing Face of Trump’s Transition Team
As Trump’s team prepares for his return to the White House, Bannon provided insight into some of the key figures involved in the transition process.
Among those involved are high-profile individuals like Robert F. Kennedy, former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, billionaire Elon Musk, and TV presenter Tucker Carlson.
These figures reflect the broad spectrum of support and influence shaping the direction of the Trump administration’s next chapter.
The shifting dynamics between the U.S. and Europe, combined with Trump’s isolationist policies and Bannon’s fiery rhetoric, signal a new era in international relations.
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