Most of Europe is already dealing with a depressed economy and threats of widespread labor strikes. The war in Ukraine, combined with the self-inflicted energy crisis has created even more angst in many European nations. But now, European Union leaders are openly speaking out about another threat that they are facing and it’s coming from Washington, not Moscow. Several European leaders have expressed concerns and “disappointment” over the possibility that their economies will be further depressed (if not collapsed) as a result of Joe Biden’s “Inflation Reduction Act.” Any drive to put “America first,” in terms of manufacturing, particularly in the energy sector and the automotive and computer chip markets, means that Europe will be “second,” if not further down in the pecking order. One EU leader complained this week that they already have a shooting war on their doorstep and the last thing they need is a trade war with America. (Associated Press)

Disappointment has set in two years after the election of U.S. President Joe Biden was supposed to reset trans-Atlantic relations with the European Union. EU leaders are openly talking about fights, not only friendship.

They say conflict with Washington is the last thing they want, with war raging on their doorstep in Ukraine and common resolve essential in stopping Russia. But money is a threat to that unity.

“We already have war in Europe. The last thing we need is a trade war,” European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager told lawmakers Wednesday.

Rumors have been swirling about this for a couple of months, but this is the first time we’ve seen a high-ranking EU official actually utter the phrase “trade war” when talking about the United States. What they seem to be most concerned about, even more than chips and electric vehicles is the so-called “green energy” sector.

There is a lot of money to be made by manufacturing all of the components required to generate solar and wind energy. Of course, that’s always been the point. But with the hilariously-named “Inflation Reduction Act” offering even more taxpayer-funded subsidies for companies developing those products, that money stays in America, potentially shutting out European competitors.

The optics of this situation present a challenge on both sides of the pond. This wasn’t how the script was supposed to play out. Donald Trump was supposed to have been “the bad president” who pressured Europe to spend more on their own defense budgets and prioritized American businesses and employers. Uncle Joe Biden was supposed to “reset trans-Atlantic relations” and keep a fair playing field between Europe and America.

Unfortunately for Europe’s leaders, Joe Biden has suddenly started sounding more and more like the Bad Orange Man these days. He’s finally talking about addressing the border crisis and going to court in an attempt to delay the end of Title 42. And now he’s putting “America First” in terms of revitalizing manufacturing at home, particularly in the energy sector. Is it just me, or does all of this sound like an effort to “Make America Great Again?”

In Brussels, the blame is being placed squarely on Biden and the Inflation Reduction Act. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote a letter to the EU’s leadership this week, saying, “Elements of the IRA risk unleveling the playing field and discriminating against European companies.” So now we’re being accused of “discrimination” by our European allies? And it’s happening under the stewardship of Joe Biden and not Donald Trump? Say it isn’t so, Joe!