Book Says Trump Ordered Tariffs on EU, Suits Against 2 States Over Climate Rules
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 14
Book Says Trump Ordered Tariffs on EU, Suits Against 2 States Over Climate Rules
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 14
Summary
A new account in “Regime Change” says Trump used a March 2025 White House meeting with oil and gas executives to direct aides to fight climate regulations through tariffs and litigation.
Two state laws became immediate targets after executives complained about Climate Superfund bills in Vermont and New York; less than two months later, the administration sued both states to block enforcement.
EU rules drew a separate response when ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods objected to requirements for large companies to track environmental impacts and draft climate transition plans.
Howard Lutnick, then Commerce secretary, was instructed to impose additional tariffs on the EU until it dropped those regulations, underscoring Trump's readiness to use presidential power on behalf of fossil-fuel interests.