RUSSIA PERSPECTIVE

RT interprets the tariffs as primarily a political punishment rather than a commercial decision — noting Trump had already threatened troop withdrawal from Germany after Chancellor Merz criticized US Iran strategy. Auto tariffs add economic pressure on recalcitrant European allies. RT highlights Trump explicitly inviting European automakers to relocate factories to the US — a strategy of deindustrializing Europe in favor of the American market. The measure illustrates a fundamental tendency: Trump treats European allies not as partners but as economic vassals who pay the price for political independence.