President Trump threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on all goods coming into the U.S. from the European Union, as he ruled out striking a trade deal with Brussels. This strategy would hit the continent hard, hurt the U.S. economy and slow growth globally.

The ripple effects could upend global stability if he follows through. It is unclear what exactly Trump wants. He continues to fuel global economic uncertainty with erratic and unpredictable trade policy.

Trump’s tariff hikes are more than a negotiating tactic; they are a reckless gamble that could lead to a dreaded combination of higher inflation and slower growth in the U.S.

Europe could be pushed into a recession and it could disrupt global stability. By raising tariffs on the European Union — already a tense partner — the administration is undermining years of trade negotiations and risking a broader trade war that could hurt consumers, businesses and geopolitical cohesion. This isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about weakening trust in a world that’s already on edge.

Trade isn’t just about shipping containers and balance sheets. It is the glue that holds alliances together. The U.S. and EU are each other’s largest trading partners, with $1.3 trillion in goods and services flowing annually. When Trump slaps a 50 percent tariff on European cars, steel or wine, it’s not just BMW or Bordeaux winemakers who feel the........

© The Hill