President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 12) defended his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium, insisting that it would bring fairness to US trade. His comments came as major trade partners including the&nbsp;EU and Canada announced retaliatory measures against the new US tariffs.
"We've been abused for a long time and we will be abused no longer," Trump said during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Miche&aacute;l Martin.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-country-to-soon-deliver-trumps-letter-to-iran-days-after-us-prez-hints-at-final-strokes-with-tehran-8846987">Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran</a>
Shortly after the meeting began, Trump, without being asked, brought up the issue of tariffs, particularly the concept of reciprocal tariffs. "I don't know why people get upset about that," he said. "There's nothing more fair than that."
<h2>US to respond to EU tariffs</h2>
Trump also pledged that the US would respond to the European Union&rsquo;s decision to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of American goods from 1 April. The EU's move was a direct response to the new US steel and aluminum tariffs.
"Of course we'll respond," Trump said during the meeting with Martin, held on the same day the US tariffs officially took effect.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/until-threat-is-gone-for-good-canada-hits-us-with-207-bn-tariffs-over-unjustified-steel-levies-8847776">&lsquo;Until threat is gone for good&rsquo;: Canada hits US with $20.7bn tariffs over &lsquo;unjustified&rsquo; steel levies</a>
At one point, he argued that the EU had been created to "take advantage of the United States." However, he added that he had "great respect" for Ireland and other nations that had attracted US-owned companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
"The United States shouldn't let it happen," he added.
Trump went on to criticise past US leaders for allowing such trade imbalances, saying, "We had stupid leaders. We had leaders that didn't have a clue. Let's say they weren't business people. They didn't have a clue what was happening."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-trump-trade-war-european-union-slaps-283b-in-tariffs-on-us-goods-after-trumps-metal-duties-8847083">&lsquo;Bad for business, worse for consumers&rsquo;: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump&rsquo;s metal duties</a>
<h2>Clash with Canada over electricity tariffs</h2>
Trump also commented on the recent tariff dispute with Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford had announced a plan to impose a 25% tariff on electricity supplied to certain US states, although the move was later suspended.
In response, the Trump administration had threatened to raise US tariffs on Canadian steel and metal imports to 50%.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-helping-us-slams-india-for-150-tariff-on-american-alcohol-says-trump-believes-in-reciprocity-8846649">'Not helping': US slams India for 150% tariff on American alcohol, says 'Trump believes in reciprocity'</a>
"[We] let them know what we were going to be doing. They dropped it immediately," Trump explained. "I'm glad. Playing with electricity affects people's lives," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "We've been abused for a long time and we will be abused no longer," US President Donald Trump said during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 12) defended his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium, insisting that it would bring fairness to US trade. His comments came as major trade partners including the EU and Canada announced retaliatory measures against the new US tariffs. "We've been abused for a long time and we will be abused no longer," Trump said during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Also read: Iran receives Trump's letter delivered by UAE official days after US prez hints at 'final strokes' with Tehran Shortly after the meeting began, Trump, without being asked, brought up the issue of tariffs, particularly the concept of reciprocal tariffs. "I don't know why people get upset about that," he said. "There's nothing more fair than that." US to respond to EU tariffs Trump also pledged that the US would respond to the European Union’s decision to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of American goods from 1 April. The EU's move was a direct response to the new US steel and aluminum tariffs. "Of course we'll respond," Trump said during the meeting with Martin, held on the same day the US tariffs officially took effect. Also read: ‘Until threat is gone for good’: Canada hits US with $20.7bn tariffs over ‘unjustified’ steel levies At one point, he argued that the EU had been created to "take advantage of the United States." However, he added that he had "great respect" for Ireland and other nations that had attracted US-owned companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. "The United States shouldn't let it happen," he added. Trump went on to criticise past US leaders for allowing such trade imbalances, saying, "We had stupid leaders. We had leaders that didn't have a clue. Let's say they weren't business people. They didn't have a clue what was happening." Also read: ‘Bad for business, worse for consumers’: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump’s metal duties Clash with Canada over electricity tariffs Trump also commented on the recent tariff dispute with Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford had announced a plan to impose a 25% tariff on electricity supplied to certain US states, although the move was later suspended. In response, the Trump administration had threatened to raise US tariffs on Canadian steel and metal imports to 50%. Also read: 'Not helping': US slams India for 150% tariff on American alcohol, says 'Trump believes in reciprocity' "[We] let them know what we were going to be doing. They dropped it immediately," Trump explained. "I'm glad. Playing with electricity affects people's lives," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Won’t be abused any longer’: Trump vows to ‘win financial battle’ as EU, Canada slap retaliatory tariffs

Ireland&rsquo;s parliament, the D&aacute;il, has re-elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-election-centre-right-parties-set-to-hold-power-780797" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Micheal Martin</a> as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) for a second term on Thursday (Jan 23). The vote, originally planned for Wednesday, was postponed due to disruptions from opposition members.
Members of the D&aacute;il voted 95 to 76 in favour of Martin, the leader of Fianna F&aacute;il, after a chaotic session the previous day had forced the suspension of proceedings.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-accuses-russian-military-of-killing-six-captured-troops-8647966">Ukraine accuses Russian military of killing six captured troops</a>
Martin&rsquo;s appointment, along with that of other government ministers, was finalised after overnight negotiations aimed at resolving an impasse over speaking rights. Addressing the D&aacute;il, the Irish parliament, Martin said, "It is a sad development in many parliaments in the world that they have become more angry and divisive. They have become forums dominated by the inflated rhetoric of demonstrations rather than a place where different groups can argue in good faith and respectfully disagree."
The vote to elect him as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/micheal-martin-re-elected-as-irish-prime-minister-after-delayed-vote-8647846">Taoiseach</a> had originally been scheduled for Wednesday, with expectations that it would proceed as a formality. Martin, a 64-year-old seasoned politician whose centre-right Fianna F&aacute;il secured the most seats in November&rsquo;s general election, had overseen the formation of a centrist three-party coalition.
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However, the session devolved into chaos when opposition parties triggered two suspensions of parliament. Ultimately, the D&aacute;il was adjourned for the day without completing the vote.
Martin told reporters late on Wednesday, "What we witnessed today was the subversion of the Irish constitution. This is the first time, I think, in over 100 years, that the D&aacute;il has failed to elect a government to fulfil its constitutional obligation."
The appointment of outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris as deputy prime minister was also postponed. Harris, aged 38, leads Fine Gael, the centre-right party that finished third in the election.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Members of the Dáil voted 95 to 76 in favour of Martin, the leader of Fianna Fáil, after a chaotic session the previous day had forced the suspension of proceedings.

Ireland’s parliament, the Dáil, has re-elected Micheal Martin as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) for a second term on Thursday (Jan 23). The vote, originally planned for Wednesday, was postponed due to disruptions from opposition members. Members of the Dáil voted 95 to 76 in favour of Martin, the leader of Fianna Fáil, after a chaotic session the previous day had forced the suspension of proceedings. Also read: Ukraine accuses Russian military of killing six captured troops Martin’s appointment, along with that of other government ministers, was finalised after overnight negotiations aimed at resolving an impasse over speaking rights. Addressing the Dáil, the Irish parliament, Martin said, "It is a sad development in many parliaments in the world that they have become more angry and divisive. They have become forums dominated by the inflated rhetoric of demonstrations rather than a place where different groups can argue in good faith and respectfully disagree." The vote to elect him as Taoiseach had originally been scheduled for Wednesday, with expectations that it would proceed as a formality. Martin, a 64-year-old seasoned politician whose centre-right Fianna Fáil secured the most seats in November’s general election, had overseen the formation of a centrist three-party coalition. Also read: Amid Gaza war truce in place, Air India to start Tel Aviv-Delhi flights from March 2 However, the session devolved into chaos when opposition parties triggered two suspensions of parliament. Ultimately, the Dáil was adjourned for the day without completing the vote. Martin told reporters late on Wednesday, "What we witnessed today was the subversion of the Irish constitution. This is the first time, I think, in over 100 years, that the Dáil has failed to elect a government to fulfil its constitutional obligation." The appointment of outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris as deputy prime minister was also postponed. Harris, aged 38, leads Fine Gael, the centre-right party that finished third in the election. (With inputs from agencies)

Micheal Martin re-elected as Irish Prime Minister after delayed vote

It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

Urging the British government to resume talks about the protocol, Martin said that there were issues around the trade rules that should be addressed by “substantive negotiations” between the UK and the European Union.

During an interview with BBC, Martin said "There is no substitute for a substantive series of negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom government in respect of solving issues in relation to the protocol."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-northern-ireland-protocol-divides-britain-and-the-european-union-487135">Also read |&nbsp;How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union</a>

Requesting the biggest unionist party (Sinn Fein) to rejoin the executive in Belfast, Martin earlier dismissed accusations that the EU was being inflexible.

After Britain accused the bloc of heavy-handed approach to the movement of goods between England and Northern Ireland, tensions have simmered for months.

But Britain's plan to scrap checks needed to keep an open border with EU-member Ireland have triggered tensions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/necessity-to-act-uk-pm-johnson-urges-end-to-northern-ireland-deadlock-479283">Also read |&nbsp;'Necessity to act': UK PM Johnson urges end to Northern Ireland deadlock</a>

Following anger on both sides of the Atlantic, Martin is visiting Belfast after Washington warned London its brinkmanship with Europe threatens peace.

Unionists in Northern Ireland have accused Britain of driving a wedge between the province and the rest of the UK and have refused to join a new power-sharing government in Belfast until the issue is resolved, forcing its suspension.

Slamming England's decision about the North Ireland law, Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, said "If the United Kingdom chooses to undermine the Good Friday Accords, the Congress cannot and will not support a bilateral free trade agreement with the UK."

(With inputs from agencies)

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It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. Urging the British government to resume talks about the protocol, Martin said that there were issues around the trade rules that should be addressed by “substantive negotiations” between the UK and the European Union. During an interview with BBC, Martin said "There is no substitute for a substantive series of negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom government in respect of solving issues in relation to the protocol." Also read | How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union Requesting the biggest unionist party (Sinn Fein) to rejoin the executive in Belfast, Martin earlier dismissed accusations that the EU was being inflexible. After Britain accused the bloc of heavy-handed approach to the movement of goods between England and Northern Ireland, tensions have simmered for months. But Britain's plan to scrap checks needed to keep an open border with EU-member Ireland have triggered tensions. Also read | 'Necessity to act': UK PM Johnson urges end to Northern Ireland deadlock Following anger on both sides of the Atlantic, Martin is visiting Belfast after Washington warned London its brinkmanship with Europe threatens peace. Unionists in Northern Ireland have accused Britain of driving a wedge between the province and the rest of the UK and have refused to join a new power-sharing government in Belfast until the issue is resolved, forcing its suspension. Slamming England's decision about the North Ireland law, Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, said "If the United Kingdom chooses to undermine the Good Friday Accords, the Congress cannot and will not support a bilateral free trade agreement with the UK." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'We're in a very serious situation': Irish PM Martin warns UK over its North Ireland law

The Irish parliament will be recalled following the scandal of politicians defying social distancing regulations for a cultural gathering.

The decision was announced by the&nbsp;Irish premier Micheal Martin on Sunday evening assuring that the parliament will be recalled and&nbsp;he also added that he has aksed the&nbsp;EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan to consider resigning from his post.

The decision was jointly taken by Martin, his coalition government partners, deputy prime minister Leo Varadkar and cabinet minister Eamon Ryan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-ireland-win-fight-against-15-billion-eu-tax-order-313454">Also read|&nbsp;Apple, Ireland win fight against $15 billion EU tax order</a>

The scandal was revealed two days ago when a local newspaper claimed that the politicians attended a&nbsp;Oireachtas (parliament) Golf Society dinner on Wednesday night, defying all rules put in place to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The event, which was attended by nearly 80 people, was held 24 hours after the local government had reimposed coronavirus restrictions to contain the spread of the virus amid fresh surge of cases in the country.

The event was held for the lawmakers even though the&nbsp; government had strictly imposed the rule of&nbsp;no "formal or informal events or parties" at restaurants and/or hotels. Not just this, the local media also reported that the attendees were seen sharing tables in numbers of 10. To steer clear of breaking the rule of maximum 50 people in a room, the organisers decided to play smart and installed a temporary partition in the room.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-ireland-delays-lifting-travelling-ban-to-make-quarantine-arrangements-310897">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Ireland delays lifting travelling ban to make quarantine arrangements</a>

While&nbsp;Irish agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy chair of the parliament's upper chamber Jerry Buttimer have both already resigned for their attendance at the event, Hogan's spokesperson has said he will consider the request as he was under the impression that all rules are being followed. He later apologised for "the distress caused by his participation".&nbsp;

However, Martin's office believes&nbsp;"the commissioner's apology came late and... he still needs to give a full account and explanations of his actions."

The coalition partners agreed parliament should return after schools have reopened over the next two weeks, following their closure in March due to coronavirus. The finald ecision on recalling the parliament will be made on Monday.

The Irish parliament will be recalled following the scandal of politicians defying social distancing regulations for a cultural gathering. The decision was announced by the Irish premier Micheal Martin on Sunday evening assuring that the parliament will be recalled and he also added that he has aksed the EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan to consider resigning from his post.

The Irish parliament will be recalled following the scandal of politicians defying social distancing regulations for a cultural gathering. The decision was announced by the Irish premier Micheal Martin on Sunday evening assuring that the parliament will be recalled and he also added that he has aksed the EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan to consider resigning from his post. The decision was jointly taken by Martin, his coalition government partners, deputy prime minister Leo Varadkar and cabinet minister Eamon Ryan. Also read| Apple, Ireland win fight against $15 billion EU tax order The scandal was revealed two days ago when a local newspaper claimed that the politicians attended a Oireachtas (parliament) Golf Society dinner on Wednesday night, defying all rules put in place to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The event, which was attended by nearly 80 people, was held 24 hours after the local government had reimposed coronavirus restrictions to contain the spread of the virus amid fresh surge of cases in the country. The event was held for the lawmakers even though the government had strictly imposed the rule of no "formal or informal events or parties" at restaurants and/or hotels. Not just this, the local media also reported that the attendees were seen sharing tables in numbers of 10. To steer clear of breaking the rule of maximum 50 people in a room, the organisers decided to play smart and installed a temporary partition in the room. Also read| COVID 19: Ireland delays lifting travelling ban to make quarantine arrangements While Irish agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy chair of the parliament's upper chamber Jerry Buttimer have both already resigned for their attendance at the event, Hogan's spokesperson has said he will consider the request as he was under the impression that all rules are being followed. He later apologised for "the distress caused by his participation". However, Martin's office believes "the commissioner's apology came late and... he still needs to give a full account and explanations of his actions." The coalition partners agreed parliament should return after schools have reopened over the next two weeks, following their closure in March due to coronavirus. The finald ecision on recalling the parliament will be made on Monday.

Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules

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‘Won’t be abused any longer’: Trump vows to ‘win financial battle’ as EU, Canada slap retaliatory tariffs

Micheal Martin re-elected as Irish Prime Minister after delayed vote

'We're in a very serious situation': Irish PM Martin warns UK over its North Ireland law

Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules