Trump Live Updates: U.S. Importers Caution That President’s 200% Tariff Threat on E.U. Wine and Champagne Could Diminish Demand

The president expressed his belief that the U.S. will eventually annex Greenland as he met with the NATO leader in the Oval Office on Thursday, although the Dutch politician maintained a more diplomatic stance regarding the matter.

“I believe it’s going to happen,” Trump told the press, seated alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

“We require that for international security, not merely national security,” the president commented about the island.

Trump acknowledged Rutte, referring to him as “a man who could be very influential” in this potential acquisition, despite the apparent disinterest from both Denmark and the people of Greenland in relinquishing control.

Rutte, slightly disconcerted by Trump’s comments, responded: “Regarding Greenland, whether or not it joins the U.S., I’d prefer to keep that outside… of this discussion to avoid dragging NATO into it.”

Nevertheless, the former Dutch prime minister quickly redirected to commend Trump, emphasizing that he was “absolutely correct” about the necessity of a security strategy in “the high north and the Arctic.”

The administration is escalating its legal battle regarding birthright citizenship to the Supreme Court, seeking a limitation on multiple court decisions that have dismissed his executive order aiming to deny citizenship at birth to children of specific immigrants.

Petitions submitted to the nation’s top court on Thursday request that the justices constrict three nationwide injunctions issued in various courts to only affect the states that initiated the lawsuits.

This strategy would enable the administration to start enforcing his executive order in other states, despite opposition from federal judges, appellate courts, and legal experts across the political spectrum who argue that his unilateral attempt to alter the 14th Amendment is clearly unconstitutional.

For the latest updates, see Alex Woodward.

Protesters filled Trump Tower in New York City yesterday to voice their opposition to the immigration detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, resulting in several arrests.

Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident married to an American citizen and not charged with any crimes, was apprehended outside his apartment on Saturday and is facing deportation.

The president has indicated that Khalil’s arrest is merely the first “of many to come” and threatened on social media to deport students he alleges participate in “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activities.”

Supporters of Khalil argue that his arrest constitutes an attack on free speech, with protests having occurred throughout New York City and across the country.

Additionally, hundreds demonstrated outside a Manhattan courthouse on Wednesday during a brief hearing regarding his case.

The Senate Minority Leader has announced he will support the new spending bill proposed by House Republicans, increasing the likelihood of averting a government shutdown.

Initially, Schumer indicated that Democrats were displeased with the lack of bipartisan collaboration reflected in House Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed continuing resolution. However, they appear willing to accept it to avoid being blamed for future dysfunction.

See Eric Garcia for more details.

As Trump’s trade war continues to create turbulence in financial markets, he faces political challenges in the courts.

Two federal judges ruled on Thursday that Trump’s administration must rehire thousands of probationary employees dismissed from various agencies by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Staff from the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Energy, Agriculture, and Interior, among others, must be reinstated, as determined by California District Court Judge William Alsup.

Hours later, U.S. District Judge James Bredar issued a similar ruling, instructing that dismissed employees from 18 agencies be restored for a minimum of 14 days.

Read more in Ariana Baio’s report.

Donald Trump’s threat to impose a staggering 200 percent tariff on European wines, Champagnes, and spirits in response to the European Union’s proposed 50 percent tariff on American whiskey has spurred domestic wine sellers and importers to caution that such a move will effectively ruin their businesses.

“I doubt customers will be willing to pay two to three times the price for their preferred wine or Champagne,” stated Ronnie Sanders, CEO of Vine Street Imports in Mt. Laurel Township, New Jersey.

Jeff Zacharia, president of fine wine retailer Zachys in Port Chester, New York, noted that 80 percent of his sales come from European wines.

Importers rely heavily on European wines within their supply networks, he added, and American wines alone cannot meet the demand.

“This will have a significant adverse effect on the entire U.S. wine industry, including domestic wineries,” he warned.