A senior EU economist warns that U.S. states should retain policymaking power and calls for a calmer tone after criticizing Donald Trump’s domineering style
Executive summary: An EU economics professor stated that U.S. states should decide their own policies, criticized Donald Trump’s bullying behavior, and appealed for a more calm and cooperative tone. The remark underscores tension between federal authority and states’ rights, which could affect policy stability, investor confidence, and future regulatory decisions in areas such as immigration and trade.
Who is involved: The professor (referred to as Buti), former EU director general for Economic and Financial Affairs, and references to Donald Trump and U.S. state governments.
Likely next: Trump may issue a public reply, state legislators could pursue measures to assert autonomy, and market participants will monitor for any resulting policy volatility.
The interview highlights a growing debate over the balance of power between the federal government and individual U.S. states, framed through the lens of former President Trump’s confrontational approach. By urging calm, the economist signals concern that continued federal overreach could destabilize policy environments and affect economic predictability. While the commentary is largely opinion‑based, it reflects real anxieties among international observers about the direction of U.S. governance under Trump’s influence.
Timeline
- — Buti: “Giusto che decidano gli Stati, Donald fa il bullo, serve calma” (la Repubblica — Economia)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- EU could move ahead with the digital services tax despite U.S. pressure.
Sectors affected
- Government policy
- Immigration
- International trade
- Technology sector
Regulatory implications
- Review of executive authority over agencies such as ICE.
- Scrutiny of digital tax compliance and possible WTO disputes.
Historical parallels
- Nullification Crisis of 1832 over federal tariffs.
- Reagan‑era confrontations with Congress over executive orders.
- Trump’s 2018 tariff threats on EU goods.
Key entities
Sources
- Buti: “Giusto che decidano gli Stati, Donald fa il bullo, serve calma” — la Repubblica — Economia