European lawmakers rattled over Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda

European lawmakers convened in Strasbourg this week for two critical debates – the first examining controls on American social media companies, followed by discussions on how to respond to the new US administration.

Donald Trump's return to the White House has set off alarm bells in the European Parliament, with lawmakers warning his "America First" agenda threatens international cooperation on climate change, trade and digital regulation.

European lawmakers convened in Strasbourg this week for two critical debates – the first examining controls on American social media companies, followed by discussions on how to respond to the new US administration.

Several far-right members were notably absent, having left to attend Trump's inauguration in Washington.

The debates highlighted widespread unease over Trump's policies, with most members expressing grave misgivings about his approach to global alliances and digital governance.

Trade threats and tariffs

Trump announced plans on Tuesday for new tariffs targeting the European Union.

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"The European Union is very, very bad to us," he told reporters at the White House. "So they're going to be in for tariffs. It's the only way... you're going to get fairness."

Trump also proposed a 10 percent duty on Chinese imports, citing fentanyl trafficking as a major concern.

Valérie Hayer, who leads the parliament's centrist Renew Europe group, condemned the president's isolationist stance.

"Listen to Trump's speech. Withdrawal from the Paris accords, withdrawal from WHO... Not a word about Europe, not a word about NATO, not a word about Ukraine," she said.


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