Trump Shakes Up Global Trade: High-Stakes Clash With EU Looms

Brace for impact—Trump's trade war 2.0 strategy just went live. The EU, clutching its tariff playbook, faces a negotiator who treats WTO rules like speed bumps.

• The Art of the Trade Deal (Redux): Forget diplomacy—this is economic judo. Trump's team reportedly demands agricultural concessions while dangling auto tariffs like a guillotine.

• Brussels' Dilemma: Protectionism vs. Pragmatism: European commissioners scramble as Germany's auto giants whisper sweet nothings to Washington lobbyists. Meanwhile, French farmers sharpen their pitchforks.

• Market Jitters: Gold ticks up as forex traders dump euros—because nothing says 'stable store of value' like betting on which populist blinks first.

Closing thought: When elephants fight, the grass gets trampled. And by grass, we mean your 401(k).

Ripple Case Comes to a Close

Ripple$2 CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently took to social media to declare the end of the protracted legal battle concerning XRP Coin. The hefty $200 million fine had led Ripple into negotiations, and the new SEC leadership eventually conceded to Ripple’s demands. However, a court intervened, questioning the flexibility of laws and regulations.

Ultimately, the only viable course was to withdraw the appeals, thereby concluding the Ripple case. Garlinghouse announced this resolution with enthusiasm.

“Ripple is withdrawing its cross-appeal, and as previously stated, the SEC is expected to do the same. We’re closing this chapter to concentrate on enhancing the value of the Internet. Stay tuned.”

In due time, it is anticipated that the SEC will follow suit, closing this story. Unfortunately, amidst tariff chaos, the XRP Coin price has not seen the expected rise.

Stuart Alderoty, the company’s legal advisor, had foreshadowed this outcome following the court’s decision on June 26.

“Yet, the ball is back in our court. The court offered us two options: to retract our appeal concerning historical institutional sales or to continue the appeal process. Follow the developments. In any case, XRP’s legal standing as a non-security will remain unchanged. Meanwhile, business continues as usual.”

Trump’s Trade Battle with the EU

The United States recently presented its final trade offer to the EU. While the EU contemplates countermeasures to gain leverage, Trump has countered with his signature “don’t push me” attitude. By halting talks with Canada over high tariffs, Trump sent a message of awareness towards a joint EU-Canada retaliation plan, prompting a downturn in the Canadian Dollar.

Post-presidency, Trump may write a book on “power and negotiation.” Unless he forgets his previous declaration of running for a third term, he will certainly find time to pen this book.

Trump recently articulated his stance:

“Negotiating with Canada is challenging. We hold significant influence over Canada, which we are inclined not to use. Canada will remove the digital services tax; it has to.

I want Federal Reserve Chairman Powell to resign. His resignation WOULD greatly please me. He’s making a big mistake. I will not appoint anyone willing to maintain current interest rates. I will appoint a Federal Reserve Chairman committed to lowering interest rates.

Europe is very tough on trade. Our relationship with the European Union is good but challenging. Good relations with the EU are tough. They’re stringent on trade. We hold cards against Europe. When I mentioned a 50% tariff, Europe came to the table. Europe imposes unfair taxes on the U.S. They’ll learn to be more polite soon.

Xi respects the U.S. China does. Europe will learn not to be so hostile soon.”