Trump’s TRADE WAR With Europe Is BACK — 50% Tariffs Threatened on E.U. Imports
The Josh Lafazan Show on YouTube - Episode 118
Today’s episode covers one of the most consequential economic stories of the year: Donald Trump has just proposed a stunning 50% tariff on all imports from the European Union, along with a 25% tariff on smartphones that aren’t manufactured in the United States.
This move — announced on Trump’s Truth Social — has reignited fears of a full-blown trade war between the U.S. and our European allies. Trump declared:
“Our discussions with the E.U. are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”
Sound familiar? It should. Trump has been antagonizing the EU for months, making baseless claims that the Union was created to “screw the United States,” and issuing escalating tariff threats throughout 2024. In February, he floated a 25% tariff on EU goods. In April, he doubled down with vague threats that tanked the stock market during what he called "Liberation Day."
Now, just nine days before the EU’s temporary tariff pause expires, Trump is ratcheting up the pressure to its highest level yet — 50% on all EU imports. That’s a higher tariff than we’re applying to China, a known adversary. And remember — China’s tariffs were just lowered to 30% this month to pave the way for fresh negotiations. Meanwhile, we’re punishing our allies more harshly.
📉 So what’s the fallout?
It’s not just Democrats raising alarm bells. Some of Trump’s most notable conservative allies are sounding the alarm:
In today’s episode, we break down:
✅ What’s in Trump’s proposed tariffs — and how they’ll hurt American consumers
✅ The difference between tariffs on allies vs. adversaries, and why this move is baffling economists
✅ How Trump’s economic nationalism could derail decades of international trade progress
✅ Why American companies, farmers, and small businesses could suffer the most
✅ The mounting bipartisan effort to rein in presidential power over tariffs — and how Trump is already threatening to veto a new bill
📜 Let’s also talk about the Constitution. Article I, Section 8 is clear:
Only Congress has the power to "lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises.”
Translation? Tariffs are taxes — and the Constitution gives that authority to Congress, not the president. And yet, for years, Congress has allowed presidents to wield this power with almost no oversight.
That may be about to change. A bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), would require any president to notify Congress within 48 hours of proposing a new tariff, and get formal approval within 60 days. Trump opposes the bill and has vowed to veto it — even though it hasn’t yet made it out of committee.
🔍 We’ll also explore:
This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most dangerous and misunderstood aspects of economic policy. Trump’s new tariff plan may sound tough — but it’s economically reckless, diplomatically destructive, and constitutionally questionable.
🎙️ Don’t miss today’s full breakdown on The Josh Lafazan Show.
Like, subscribe, and share if you believe in economic sanity, constitutional checks and balances, and a trade policy that puts the American people — not chaos — first.
#politics #news #congress #politicalnews #newsupdate #usa #america #trump #donaldtrump #newsheadlines #newstoday #fyp #election