WASHINGTON: Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump launched a blistering critique of the European Union on Thursday, likening it to a “mini China” during a radio interview. Trump voiced his frustration over what he sees as an imbalanced trade relationship, highlighting a significant trade deficit of $312 billion with the EU.
“They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm products, don’t take anything,” Trump said, expressing his discontent with the EU’s trade policies.
During an interview with conservative host Hugh Hewitt, Trump discussed his ongoing legal challenges. He stated that if he were to win the November election, he would swiftly dismiss Jack Smith, the special counsel overseeing two federal cases against him. “It’s so easy. I would fire him within two seconds,” Trump said.
Smith, appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, has brought significant charges against Trump, including conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling classified documents.
In August 2023, Trump was indicted in Washington on multiple charges related to his alleged efforts to disrupt the electoral process. A separate case concerning classified documents in Florida was dismissed by District Judge Aileen Cannon, whom Trump praised as a “brave, brilliant judge.”
While a US president does not have the authority to fire a special counsel directly, Trump could appoint a new attorney general who might choose to do so, potentially impacting the federal cases against him.
Currently, Trump is scheduled to go to trial on the election subversion charges in March, though proceedings have been paused as his legal team argues that an ex-president should be immune from criminal prosecution.
A Supreme Court ruling in July affirmed that a former president holds broad immunity for actions taken while in office, yet can be pursued for actions outside of official duties.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He also faces racketeering charges in Georgia related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
