The David McWilliams Podcast Did Europe Just Surrender to Trump?
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Jul 29, 2025 The surprise trade deal between the EU and the US sparks debates about a possible sellout. Europe's strategic game plan reveals a $200 billion trade surplus with the US, raising questions about its motivations. Internal conflicts within Europe emerge, as nationalism clashes with the push for federalism, impacting industries from cars to pharmaceuticals. Trump's aggressive tactics challenge European diplomacy, but strangely, there may be silver linings for Irish investment amidst the chaos.
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Europe's Strategic Trade Fold
- Europe accepted US tariffs to avoid a full-on trade war with Trump.
- They chose to "fold" a bad hand to buy time and avoid worse losses.
Diplomats vs. Street Fighter Tactics
- Europeans negotiated as diplomats expecting honorable deals.
- Trump played to humiliate and crush opponents, wanting headline victories.
Trade Deal as Collins Treaty Analogy
- Europe’s deal is like Michael Collins’ Treaty: a compromise to avoid war and buy time.
- It may look like a defeat, but it preserves future negotiating power.
