Europeans boycott American goods in protest against Trump

In Europe, some people are choosing to boycott American goods. Moya O’Sullivan, a history and English teacher in Ireland, has stopped buying items like cream cheese and whiskey, which are all American-made. She wants to send a message to the Americans who supported President Donald Trump. O’Sullivan is not alone. Many Europeans are taking similar steps to express their discontent with the Trump administration. The U.S. is planning to impose new tariffs on goods from around the world, and the European Union is ready to respond with higher tariffs on American products such as whiskey and motorcycles. However, many people in Europe may not be as motivated to protest as they were during Trump’s first term. A spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition noted that there is a sense of fatigue among Europeans. They feel less confident in their ability to oppose Trump's policies. James Blackledge, a postman in England, has also stopped buying American products. He now makes his own mayonnaise instead of buying brand names. He and others are sharing ideas online about how to avoid U.S. goods. In Denmark, supermarkets have started labeling products made in Europe with a black star to help consumers choose local options. Social media groups calling for boycotts of American goods are gaining popularity in Sweden and Denmark. It’s still uncertain how these individual actions will affect American exports to Europe. Boycotts can sometimes change company reputations, but determining their real impact is difficult. Researchers have studied similar movements in the past with mixed results. Trump’s disapproval rates are high in Europe, and while there are fewer large protests compared to his first term, activists continue to organize smaller actions. Some demonstrators have protested outside Tesla showrooms due to owner Elon Musk’s ties to Trump. Trump is expected to visit the UK soon, and there is concern about how his visit will be received. Despite the challenges, O’Sullivan and others remain committed to their boycott, believing that spending choices can make a difference.