'Thank you for your attention,' says Trump as he pauses reciprocal tariffs, Germany gives credit to European resolve

US President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day suspension of his reciprocal tariffs, which were introduced on his self-declared ‘Liberation Day’, taking a sharp U-turn on his previous policy. While making the announcement in a post on Truth Socal, Trump said, “Thank you for your attention.”

The move, aimed at easing global trade tensions and curbing panic, brought relief to stock markets across the world.

However, tariffs on Chinese imports have been increased to 125 per cent in response to China’s recent hikes on US goods. Trump said the pause is intended to allow negotiations with over 75 countries and does not represent a retreat from his trade stance.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the world’s markets, I am hereby raising the tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125 per cent, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realise that the days of ripping off the USA and other countries are no longer sustainable or acceptable,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“On the other hand, since more than 75 countries have reached out to US officials — including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR — to find solutions to trade issues such as tariffs, trade barriers, currency manipulation, and non-monetary restrictions, and because these countries have, at my strong urging, not retaliated against the US, I have approved a 90-day pause. During this time, a reduced reciprocal tariff of 10 per cent will apply, effective immediately,” Trump said.

“Thank you for your attention to the matter,” Trump wrote at the end of his post.

Critics, opponents call Trump a attention seeker

Nevertheless, Trump has consistently been criticised by opponents and analysts for being an attention seeker and a narcissist. According to reports, Trump has demonstrated a strong desire for public attention throughout his career.

His behaviour has been analysed by psychologists, with some suggesting that he exhibits traits associated with narcissism, characterised by grandiosity and a constant need for admiration.

‘Trump tariffs shift shows benefits of EU unity’ German chancellor-designate Merz

Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, said President Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs shows that Europe’s united stance on trade is working. He also called for tariff-free trade between the US and the EU.

“Europe is ready to defend itself, and this proves that staying united is our greatest strength,” Merz told RTL.

A race for leading Europe

It is increasingly evident that French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, are vying for leadership in Europe, particularly in addressing continental security challenges.

This was apparent during the Ukraine crisis, when Trump threatened to suspend military and intelligence aid following a public spat in the Oval Office. A similar crisis unfolded during the Trump tariff standoff.