Is the Transatlantic Trust Stronger Than a Locomotive? Superman Weighs In on Trump's Tariffs!

Faster Than a Speeding Tariff!

Greetings citizens of Earth! Superman here reporting live from... well everywhere thanks to my ability to be faster than a speeding bullet and all that jazz. I've been keeping my x ray vision focused on the latest kerfuffle between the U.S. and Europe. Seems like some tariffs are causing more friction than Lex Luthor at a charity gala! Joerg Kukies Germany's acting finance minister bravely told CNBC that despite President Trump's tariff policies the trust isn't broken yet. He reckons the transatlantic partnership is like a good old Kryptonian handshake: built to last! Even against a little economic jostling. He said that “For trust to be broken a lot more would have to happen because the transatlantic partnership has been built over so many decades that we will not get carried away by the statement of tariffs,” and I believe him! After all I’ve seen alliances built on far less and held together by a lot less… especially when Lex is involved!

Up Up and Away... From Agreement?

Kukies mentioned that after the 25% tariffs on imported cars were announced there was some interest in reaching an agreement. Sounds promising right? Like Lois and me finally agreeing on what to have for dinner. But as usual things are more complicated than a Kryptonite maze. Both sides have different viewpoints but Kukies thinks they're just negotiating not facing a full blown crisis. He said "this is not the first time ever that the United States and Europe are negotiating over tariffs so I don't think we're anywhere near a crisis moment.” It's good to have optimism; that’s what keeps me fighting for truth justice and the American way!

The Zero for Zero Dream!

Ah the dream of a zero for zero tariff agreement. Kukies along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is rooting for it. It's like hoping for world peace or Lex Luthor turning over a new leaf (okay maybe that's too far fetched even for me). Trump however already KO'd the EU's proposal for zero duties on industrial goods. "Sometimes dreams just don't come true Kal El…" my father once told me. I wonder what that would have been like if I was raised on Krypton? Would I still be defending planet earth? If no one else will help… then I will

Kryptonite for the German Economy?

Germany's economy is taking a hit folks. They're currently facing 10% tariffs. And since the U.S. is their biggest trading partner this is like getting hit with a chunk of Kryptonite. The German government revised its economic growth forecast expecting stagnation in 2025. Acting economy minister Robert Habeck blamed Trump's trade policies. Even the IMF chimed in projecting a contraction. Someone get Jimmy Olsen and a camera… this is front page news!

Holding the Line Against a Trade Tsunami!

Germany's been struggling for a while contracting in both 2023 and 2024. But hey they've avoided a technical recession! Talk about a close call. It's like me catching a falling satellite just before it crashes into Metropolis! "There is a superhero in all of us we just need the courage to put on the cape," they say. Well Germany might be putting on a fiscal cape soon so maybe there's hope for them yet!

A Fiscal Fortress of Solitude?

There's a silver lining on the horizon. Germany passed a major fiscal package that could give their economy a boost. It includes changes to the debt brake rule allowing for more defense spending and infrastructure investment. A 500 billion euro investment fund? Now that's something that could make even Lex Luthor jealous. "The strength of this country depends on the strength of its people". Let's hope Germany uses it wisely for the good of everyone not just a select few. After all a rising tide lifts all boats even those Lex Luthor tries to sink!