Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, took the stage at the ARC (Alliance for Responsible Citizenship) conference in London on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. His speech was eagerly anticipated by attendees as he addressed the current global economic climate.
One of the biggest topics on everyone’s mind was the recent implementation of global tariffs by the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump. In a rare moment of criticism towards the US president, Farage described these tariffs as “excessive”.
The White House had announced last week that they would be imposing taxes on foreign imports entering the US, in addition to the existing 25% levy on cars and steel products. The UK was hit with a 10% tariff, while the EU and other allies faced a 20% levy. China, on the other hand, was hit with a staggering 34% tariff.
This news has caused turmoil in the global economy, with stock markets taking a hit. Farage, who has been a strong supporter of President Trump and even campaigned for him in the US, surprised many by expressing his concerns over the import tax.
In an interview with PA news agency, the Reform UK leader stated, “I think it’s a bit excessive. Yes, I really do. Although he promised he’d do it in the run-up to the American election. So you can’t say he’s breaking his promises, but I think the impact of it – my own view – is the impact of it has been bigger than he could have predicted.”
Farage also revealed that he now speaks to President Trump “far less” than he did during his first term in office. This change in their relationship is evident since Trump’s informal adviser, billionaire Elon Musk, publicly backed Rupert Lowe to lead Reform UK last year. However, Lowe was subsequently removed from the party in March and referred to the police for allegations of “workplace bullying” and “threats of physical violence”, which he has denied.
Despite this apparent drift in their relationship, Farage maintained his admiration for President Trump and his policies. He also acknowledged that the implementation of global tariffs was a promise made by Trump during his election campaign, and he was simply fulfilling it.
However, Farage did express his concern over the impact of these tariffs on the global economy, stating that it may have been bigger than what Trump had predicted. This sentiment is shared by many economic experts who have warned about the consequences of these tariffs.
The current situation has also raised questions about the UK’s relationship with the US. Opposition leader, Keir Starmer, has faced pressure to cancel Trump’s state visit to the UK. However, he has stated that he will not “rip up” the relationship between the two countries.
The global tariffs imposed by the US have put many countries, including the UK, in a difficult position. It has caused uncertainty and chaos in the global economy, and the impacts are yet to be fully understood.
In conclusion, Nigel Farage’s speech at the ARC conference shed light on the current global economic situation and the impact of President Trump’s policies. His criticism of the global tariffs may have surprised some, but it reflects a growing concern about their effects. While his relationship with Trump may have changed, Farage remains a strong advocate for the President and his policies. The implementation of these tariffs has caused a ripple effect in the global economy, and only time will tell how it will ultimately impact the world.
