Trump's tariffs spark global tensions, critics warn economic fallout

Conflicts in foreign trade based on higher tariffs can also negatively impact the American economy, warns "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung", adding that even Donald Trump himself acknowledges this.

"During his first term, the president liked to measure the success of his economic policy by the stock market results. However, it appears to be little thrilled with the prospect of trade conflicts. Trump would like to see lower interest rates, but both a rapid rise in inflation driven by rising tariffs and a significant increase in new debt would interfere with that. The question also arises of how tax cuts should be financed without increasing public debt. After the fireworks with executive orders and photoshoots with billionaires, Trump will also need to present serious economic policy concepts if he wants to succeed," notes the Frankfurt daily.

The local newspaper "Stuttgarter Zeitung" comments on the raising of tariffs by the US president: "Trump is clearly testing his opponents – and certainly does not deserve respect if they don't defend themselves. Therefore, it is appropriate that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron threaten to take appropriate actions if necessary. From a European point of view, one thing is particularly important: the ability to react quickly and unitedly. If Trump managed to play European countries against each other, he would have already won."

"Frankfurter Rundschau" meanwhile ponders the consequences of the abolition of foreign development aid. "Anyone who views development aid solely as a financial position can do so. And then it's easy to embellish its cuts by explaining that domestic taxpayers aren't responsible for saving the world. Hastily attaching the 'woke' label to aid programs saves primarily on one thing – arguments. Because they are hard to find. Development aid not only alleviates personal hardships for millions of people. It is also structural help that stabilizes countries, prevents susceptibility to extremism, and limits terrorism. It is thus not only regional support but also a contribution to increasing security worldwide, including in the USA. Aid projects can surely be monitored. It would be good to ensure that aid money is not used to fill the pockets of tycoons. But one cannot expect this from the so-called efficiency offensive by Trump and Musk. This is a problem for the world, which will also cost the United States dearly."

The US president sees himself as the one bringing peace, writes the "Volksstimme" newspaper, and recalls that during his first term, Trump "laid the foundations for ending the senseless war in Afghanistan and personally tried to persuade the dictator Kim Jong Un to disarm in Pyongyang," although the latter ended in failure.

Furthermore, the Magdeburg newspaper writes: "Before retaking the presidency, Trump promised peace in Ukraine – within just 24 hours. After the unfulfilled promise, he makes one of his infamous proposals: peace in Ukraine in exchange for handing over Ukrainian resources to the USA. It is not aimed at the Kremlin but at the allied government in Kiev. Politicians in Germany are pondering whether Ukraine must win the war, cannot lose it, or deserves a just peace. After all, Ukrainians are defending Western values. Icy blackmail probably wasn't one of them until now. Trump has just changed that."