President Donald Trump said Friday he could erase the $39 billion US trade deficit with Switzerland 'with one signature,' warning that the country would go from 'an elite country to a country in big trouble.' Trump referenced Swiss watches and goods, saying he could simply refuse to buy them. The remarks, reported by Israeli media, add to a pattern of Trump threatening trade partners.
President Donald Trump issued an implicit threat against Switzerland on Friday, citing a $39 billion trade deficit and warning that he could eliminate it 'with one signature.' Speaking in a statement reported by Israeli media, Trump said he could simply refuse to buy Swiss watches and goods, which would turn Switzerland from 'an elite country to a country in big trouble.' He added, 'Luckily for them, I'm a nice guy.' The remark adds to a pattern of US trade threats under Trump. As The Zioneer has reported, Trump has previously threatened 100% tariffs on European countries over digital services taxes and warned of not renewing the USMCA trade deal with Canada and Mexico. The specific threat to Switzerland appears to be new, targeting a country with which the US maintains a significant trade deficit and which has historically been a hub for international diplomacy and finance. It remains unclear whether the threat will translate into policy action.
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