Ask A Genius 1468: U.S.–EU Tariff Deal Averts Trade War but Draws Criticism
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/07/28
Rick Rosner critiques the U.S.–EU “framework agreement” that imposes 15% tariffs, down from a threatened 30%. He calls it a flimsy truce rather than a real deal. Rosner also condemns Trump’s denial of visas to South American youth athletes, warning it could damage U.S. credibility in hosting global sports events.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What about the U.S. and EU averting a trade war with the 15% tariff deal? Is there a deal?
Rick Rosner: Supposedly, yeah. Trump has been saying there is a deal for months, but often, there is no real deal behind it. This time, though, the U.S. and EU reached what they are calling a “framework agreement” on Sunday.
The U.S. is imposing a 15% tariff on most EU goods, which is half of what had been threatened. The idea is that this prevents a larger trade war. Before Trump became involved, tariffs on many EU imports were significantly lower, often in the single digits or even zero, especially for goods covered under previous free trade agreements.
Trump had threatened to raise tariffs to 30%, but they have now landed at 15%. So yeah, it is lower than the worst-case scenario, but still much higher than pre-Trump levels. This “deal” is more like a negotiated truce. Not great, but it avoids an immediate escalation. It is just… It is fucking stupid. His supporters argue that it will enable businesses to thrive in America.
I do not buy it. Trump’s stupid, and I just do not think his shit is working—or will work.
So, there is the Little League World Series, where national champion youth teams from around the world gather—usually in the U.S.—to compete for the world title. There are two levels: the traditional Little League World Series for younger children, and the Senior League World Series for older teenagers, typically ages 14 to 16 or 17.
Trump prohibited the Venezuelan Senior League champions from entering the U.S. to compete. I think it was the champions of a larger South American region, not just Venezuela. He denied them visas to participate in the world championship.
What the fuck is that? What is the fear? What is the point?
These are not gangsters. They are teenage athletes. The idea that they will defect or pose a security risk is ridiculous. It just seems like pure spite against brown people.
Moreover, if you go by what is being said on Twitter, this kind of move could jeopardize the U.S.’s hosting of international events like the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028. Suppose the U.S. were to start arbitrarily denying visas to qualified championship teams. Why would these global organizations trust us to host their events?
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