Former US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accusing her of damaging transatlantic trade relations with what he described as "anti-American" policies.
The verbal assault came during a private meeting with business leaders, where Trump reportedly claimed von der Leyen's leadership was "destroying jobs on both sides of the Atlantic." Market analysts noted immediate reactions in Asian trading sessions following the remarks, with several export-dependent stocks showing volatility.
Market Impact Spreads Globally
Financial markets appeared sensitive to the renewed trade tensions, with:
- The Nikkei 225 dropping 0.8% in afternoon trading
- Hong Kong's Hang Seng index falling 1.2%
- European futures pointing to a lower open
Wall Street also showed signs of nervousness, with pre-market trading indicating potential losses for industrial and automotive stocks heavily reliant on transatlantic trade.
Historical Context of Trade Disputes
This latest exchange revives memories of Trump's first presidency, when he frequently clashed with EU leaders over trade imbalances and threatened punitive tariffs on European automobiles. Von der Leyen, who took office in 2019, often found herself at odds with the Trump administration over issues ranging from digital taxes to aircraft subsidies.
Political analysts suggest these comments may signal Trump's continued focus on trade protectionism as he positions himself for a potential 2024 presidential run. The remarks come at a delicate time for global markets already grappling with inflation concerns and supply chain disruptions.
