Battle Lines
Trump edition: ‘This is Trump unleashed and unfiltered’
Apr 18, 2025
Kim Darroch, the former UK ambassador to the US, shares his intriguing perspective on Trump's evolving trade strategies. He discusses the potential for a US-UK trade deal and the challenges posed by tariffs. Darroch reflects on his firsthand experience with Trump’s previous trade war with China and its implications for Britain. The conversation also navigates the need for a new Iran nuclear deal and the shifting dynamics within NATO as the US recalibrates its focus away from Europe. Plus, insights into Trump's admiration for Churchill add an unexpected twist!
39:00
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Quick takeaways
- The UK faces significant economic risks in upcoming trade negotiations with the US, particularly concerning tariffs and regulatory independence.
- The shifting focus of the US towards Asia necessitates that European allies strengthen their defense capabilities to maintain NATO's cohesion.
Deep dives
Trump's Trade Deal Challenges with the UK
The ongoing trade talks between the US and the UK face significant hurdles, particularly due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Initial ambitions for the UK to be exempt from tariffs were dashed when a baseline 10% tariff was applied alongside higher rates for specific goods, such as cars and steel. Despite public optimism from US officials about a potential trade deal, doubts remain about the complexities and contentious points still unresolved. There's skepticism about whether concessions will be mutually beneficial, especially for a UK government seeking economic growth through reduced trade barriers with the EU.
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