In his assessment, Weber argued that this measure represents a clear return to mercantilism: U.S. President Donald Trump intends to use the additional tariff revenues to reduce the budget deficit. Weber emphasized that this constitutes a departure from free trade and rules-based interstate relations—an evolution that, in his view, is unlikely to end well.
At the same time, Dr. Weber criticized the role of the United States within international alliances. Solidarity within NATO and other multilateral agreements is playing an increasingly minor role for the U.S. He described a form of American arrogance manifest in the threat of punitive tariffs and unilateral actions against partner states.
Weber warned that this policy further undermines trust among transatlantic partners and could, in the long term, jeopardize the stability of the international system. He stressed that Europe must therefore develop its own economic and strategic options to avoid subordinating itself unilaterally to American policy.