A CNBC report quoted the Russian president as predicting the EU’s subservience to the US president.
President Trump shared a CNBC article on Truth Social, featuring Russian President Putin’s assertion that the Trump administration would swiftly restore order in Europe, leading EU nations to become subservient to the US President.
This post, one of several Sunday posts linking to seemingly favorable media coverage, lacked any accompanying commentary.
The CNBC article referenced Putin’s interview with Pavel Zarubin of Russia 1, where Putin claimed Brussels consistently follows Washington’s lead, a pattern he expects to continue under Trump, despite opposition from some EU leaders.
“I assure you, Trump, with his decisiveness and persistence, will quickly restore order. You’ll see, they will all soon be at the master’s feet, obediently following his lead,” Putin stated.
CNBC connected Putin’s remarks to Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from the EU, echoing his 2018 tariffs citing national security concerns.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot responded on Monday, threatening reciprocal measures if the US proceeds with the tariffs.
Trump previously imposed a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, citing immigration and drug trafficking concerns. Following negotiations, these tariffs were temporarily suspended for 30 days as Mexico and Canada committed to enhanced border security. Some tariffs on Chinese goods were also lifted due to delivery disruptions, and small-value packages regained duty-free status.