Well, it looks like the British government is learning the hard way that President Trump doesn’t bluff when it comes to putting America First. With tariffs looming ahead of what Trump is calling “Liberation Day” on April 2, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Labour Party are scrambling to salvage a trade deal that should’ve been done years ago — back when the U.K. actually had some leverage post-Brexit.
Starmer, to his credit, at least understands he’s negotiating with a businessman, not a bureaucrat. His February meeting with Trump at the White House was reportedly “productive,” and a follow-up phone call this week shows the Brits are serious about avoiding tariffs on vehicles, parts, and other goods — tariffs that are absolutely coming unless a deal is inked fast. Trump has made that crystal clear: “Absolutely,” he told reporters when asked if tariffs on the EU and U.K. are coming. “The European Union has treated us so terribly.” And guess what? He’s not wrong.
The EU slaps a 10% tariff on American cars, while we charge them just 2.5%. That’s not trade — that’s charity. And now that Trump has already gone after Canada, Mexico, and China, the Europeans (and their British cousins) are next in line. That’s what happens when you spend decades leeching off America’s generosity and calling it a “partnership.”
Now, Britain is hoping for what they’re calling an “economic prosperity deal” — which, let’s be honest, is code for “please don’t wreck our auto industry.” Even Rolls-Royce is waving the white flag, warning shareholders that they may move jobs and production to the United States to get ahead of the tariffs. So much for Labour being the party of workers.
While other globalists are promising retaliation — even though their own countries already tax the heck out of American goods — the U.K. is wisely trying not to escalate. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves says they’re not looking for a trade war, and that’s probably the only smart thing anyone in Downing Street has said all year.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t Trump being protectionist. This is Trump being fair. If other countries want access to our markets, they’re going to play by the same rules. No more one-sided trade deals. No more economic freeloading. America writes the rules now — and if you don’t like it, enjoy those tariffs.
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