Yesterday marked the beginning of an era that Donald Trump describes as ” American golden revival “. His protectionist speeches and his promises of grandeur worry as much as they impress. Economic giants, small partners and even Elon Musk are wondering if this shift does not hide pitfalls. In this spirit, the first economic measures of the 47th President of the United States announce a reconfiguration that could shake well beyond American borders.
Trump, the dollar and the end of the Green Deal: an explosive cocktail
Trump's credo, invested yesterday in Washington, is simple: put “America first”and too bad for the rest. Under the guise of economic recovery, he decreed the end of the Green New Dealonce the climate showcase of the United States. In the same breath, he wants “ reforging a manufacturing nation “. His weapons? Hydrocarbons and inflation under control, according to him.
“We're going to drill all we can», he proclaims, defying the global climate consensus.
The president will also shake up the electric vehicle industry by eliminating tax credits.
Elon Musk, although a member of his administration, remains silent. The promise of an “industrial America” seems to have a hidden cost: that of a weakened dollar compared to a euro which, despite its own crises, appears more virtuous on an environmental level.
Key Points of this chapter:
- End of credits for electric vehicles;
- Suspension of the Green New Deal;
- Priority to hydrocarbons to reduce inflation;
- Risks of economic isolationism.
Limits of protectionist ambitions: the test of reality
Trump brandishes customs duties as a lethal weapon. Heavily taxing imports, including those from Europe and Canada, becomes the keystone of its strategy. However, economists warn : these customs barriers could slow down investments and worsen trade tensions.
The case of TikTok illustrates the ambiguity: suspended, then temporarily tolerated, the platform symbolizes tense relations with China. However, its ban is far from reassuring, with experts denouncing policies that are inconsistent and difficult to apply.
The United States also risks coming up against an overall loss of confidence. If customs tariffs seek to restore the manufacturing image, they isolate a country whose public debt continues to swell.
Indeed, the euro, less dependent on hydrocarbons, could gain in attractiveness facing a dollar weakened by these radical measures.
Donald Trump and geopolitical revenge: a channel, battles
With Trump, symbols are never trivial. By claiming the resumption of the Panama Canalhe attacks Carter's legacy and denounces a “gift” given to Panama, now exploited by China.
“We did not give this channel to China!“, he insists, surfing on nationalist rhetoric.
L'Europe, although questioned in the president's speeches, prefers to advocate diplomacy. Ursula von der Leyen calls for stronger collaboration in the face of global challenges. But behind the scenes, European leaders are worried: can we still trust a partner oscillating between isolationism and hegemony?
The announcement of a possible takeover (or annexation) of Greenlandalthough recently passed over in silence, crystallizes these questions. Trump's America wants to be dominant, but at what cost? Between tensions with its North American neighbors and provocations towards Europe, doubt persists: can this “American arrogance” revive a weakened world economy?
Faced with Trump, reactions diverge. François Bayrou calls for Europe to be awakened to this new American arrogance, while Canada seeks pragmatic solutions. Between division and hope of collaboration, the international scene observes, worried and fascinated, this president who leaves no one indifferent.
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