US President Donald Trump has once again stirred up controversy by accusing Ireland of ‘robbing’ US pharmaceutical companies through its low tax policies that have cost the US billions of dollars.
He voiced his displeasure after seeing giant companies such as Pfizer and Eli Lilly move to the small island, claiming that Ireland now has a stranglehold on the entire US pharmaceutical industry.
In a St. Patrick’s Day meeting at the White House, Trump slammed the situation as “unfair” for America.
However, as usual, he can’t be serious for too long.
Trump then eased the mood by praising the Irish people as “wise” and joking that he wouldn’t drain their economy – unless he wanted to lose their votes.
Trump also vented his anger at the European Union (EU), accusing the bloc of “taking advantage” of the US by blocking American agricultural products and cars, while flooding the US market with BMWs and Volkswagens.
Meanwhile, EU officials have dismissed Trump's trade threats, likening negotiations with the US to throwing "rotten fish" off the negotiating table.
With tensions escalating and the trade war reigniting, one thing is clear - Trump is preparing for another economic showdown.
