Trump claims to have averted Balkan conflict, criticises EU trade policies

“I stopped the war between two feuding countries,” declared Donald Trump during a rally on Friday in Warren, Michigan. The context of his statement suggested that it was about a potential conflict in the Balkans. Trump also criticised the European Union.

Donald Trump took part in a "town hall" meeting in the suburbs of Detroit, where the audience had the opportunity to ask questions. The event focused mainly on the automotive industry and economic issues. The Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States promised to revive the industry in Detroit by closing the borders and imposing high tariffs on automotive companies producing cars outside the USA.

Trump stated that "tariffs are not only an effective economic tool but also a 'powerful' weapon in diplomacy."

“We had two countries that were fighting with each other. It looked like they would go to war again,” Trump recounted. "I told them: guys, if you want to fight, if you want to kill your people in your countries, that's fine, but if you do, I will impose a 200 per cent tariff on you and that's it. They called me back after two days and said, ‘Sir, we have made peace.’”

Everything suggests that Trump was referring to a potential conflict in the Balkans. Trump cited Rick Grenell, who was his special envoy for peace negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo.

During the rally, Trump announced that he would not allow Chinese car dumping in the USA. He also harshly criticised US allies, including the European Union, for "exploiting" the United States in trade relations.

"In many cases, our biggest enemies are our so-called friends. You know, our friends, the European Union, are immensely exploiting us," said Trump. "For example, they sell us millions of cars. Meanwhile, you don't see too many Chevrolets on the streets of European cities. The European Union is brutal. They don't take our agricultural products," he added.