The French are now begging to extend EU-U.S. trade talks beyond the deadline set by President Trump. Why, you ask? Well, it’s plain and simple, they’re scared stiff of the tariffs that Trump’s warning about if they don’t strike a deal by July 9th.
The progress in these negotiations, or lack thereof, is as clear as mud. European officials, well, they’re resigned to this 10% tariff imposed by Washington. It’s like they’ve already accepted defeat before the game’s even begun.
The French Finance Minister, Eric Lombard, is out there claiming that he wants another postponement. That they’d rather have a ‘good deal’ than a ‘bad deal’ on July 9th. It’s nothing but a stalling tactic. They’re buying time, hoping to weasel out of the tough position Trump’s got them in.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has already given them a lifeline, saying that the deadlines could be extended for countries negotiating in ‘good faith’. And guess who’s jumping on that offer? The French, of course!
French President Emmanuel Macron says they want a ‘quick and pragmatic’ trade deal with the U.S. but won’t accept ‘unbalanced’ terms. Funny how they want a quick deal but also want to extend the deadline.
The liberals and their European partners are all talk. They want to play hardball with Trump, but when push comes to shove, they’re scrambling for a lifeline.
The French are not going to get their way with Trump. He’s a tough negotiator, and he’s not going to let them get away with anything less than a fair deal.