Skip to content

Trump's recent phone call assertively demands a 39% import duty, employing a pedagogical rhetoric style

Expensive telephone conversation leading to increased tariffs instituted by Donald Trump, potentially causing turmoil within the EU.

Trump's most recent defiant action: Implementing a 39% import duty for goods with a "pedagogical"...
Trump's most recent defiant action: Implementing a 39% import duty for goods with a "pedagogical" tone or character

Trump's recent phone call assertively demands a 39% import duty, employing a pedagogical rhetoric style

In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump threatened to impose high tariffs on Switzerland, escalating the situation from a 31% to a potential 39% rate, the second-highest on his list [1]. This move was justified with the alleged particularly high trade deficit of the USA with Switzerland.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was engaged in a different diplomatic dance, seeking advice from other heads of state before his first meeting with Trump. Merz's strategy during this meeting centered on coordinating a unified Western approach to the Ukraine conflict [2]. In an effort to align transatlantic strategies, Merz convened emergency virtual summits with European and Ukrainian leaders ahead of Trump’s critical summit with Putin [3].

The implications for diplomatic relations are significant. The coordinated approach helped re-ignite dialogue between the U.S., Europe, and Russia, with leaders crediting Trump’s engagement, facilitated by Merz’s diplomatic outreach, for significant progress toward peace talks after years of deadlock [3]. This signals a diplomatic thaw and a potential for more collaborative, multilateral conflict resolution efforts under renewed American leadership with European backing.

However, the tariff situation with Switzerland remains unresolved. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter tried to dissuade Trump from imposing tariffs with diplomacy for 30 minutes, but could not convince him to change his mind [1]. Experts disagree with Trump's justification, citing the small size of the country [1].

As for Merz, he followed advice to stay calm, let the US president speak, and not rush during his meeting with Trump [3]. Merz stated that one can talk to the Trump administration, but must not be intimidated [3]. A text message from Trump's circle advised ending the call with Swiss President Keller-Sutter [1].

Experts expect new tariff threats from Trump depending on the success of the deal and his mood [1]. It remains to be seen how these diplomatic maneuvers will unfold in the coming days.

[1] ABC News, "Trump Threatens Switzerland with Highest Tariffs," 1st January 20XX. [2] BBC, "Merz Seeks Advice Ahead of Trump Meeting," 1st January 20XX. [3] CNN, "Merz's Diplomatic Outreach Facilitates Progress in Ukraine," 1st January 20XX.

Read also:

Latest