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French Defense Minister: Trump's Tariff Threats are 'a Form of Economic Warfare'

Published January 18, 2026, 14:11
French Defense Minister: Trump's Tariff Threats are 'a Form of Economic Warfare'

French Defense Minister Alice Roufo described US President Donald Trump's threats to impose new tariffs on EU countries opposing the US annexation of Greenland as 'a form of economic warfare'. Roufo stated that the US is attempting to influence political decisions through economic measures. However, she stressed that Europe is not disarmed and possesses diplomatic, economic, and trade tools to counter the US threats. She proposed the coordinated use of these tools to more effectively address the situation. Ministers from other EU member states agreed with Roufo's criticism. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Vil described Trump's actions as 'blackmail', while his Irish counterpart, Helen McEntee, called them 'completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable'. British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the tariff dispute was 'wrong, unnecessary and counterproductive'. These statements highlight the growing tension in relations between the US and the EU, as well as the determination of European countries to defend their interests and the principles of international law against the US administration's protectionist policies and unilateral actions.