At several points during the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Asheville, representatives from Europe, Canada and other nations once friendly to the U.S., criticized the administration for moves that have hurt their economies.
They voiced displeasure over the war with Iran, which has resulted in disruptions to energy markets and shipping. They also raised Mr. Bessent’s surprise decision to sell U.S. holdings of euros to prop up Japan’s currency last month, and the administration’s escalating war of words and tariffs with Canada.
The disagreements, while mostly polite, reflected a growing frustration in Europe and elsewhere over Mr. Trump’s stewardship of the global economy — and allies’ sense that his policies have in important ways hindered economic growth, the issue Mr. Bessent said the administration was “laser-focused” on.
NY Times: Some Allies Are Pushing Back on Trump’s Economic Approach (also Archived)