Trump threatens Walmart to

**Source**: National Business Daily  

According to CCTV News on the 19th, the official website of the European Central Bank (ECB) stated on the 18th local time that ECB President Christine Lagarde recently told French media in an interview that the recent strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar is due to the erratic policies of the United States, including its tariff policies, and that this presents an opportunity for Europe.  

On the 18th local time, U.S. news website *Politico* published an article titled *In U.S. States, Tariffs Haven’t Brought the Surge in Foreign Investment Trump Promised*. The article said that contrary to the U.S. government’s claim that "surging tariffs would bring trillions of dollars in foreign investment to the U.S.," officials in multiple U.S. states have stated that economic uncertainty caused by the government’s tariff policies has led to a slowdown in foreign investment in the U.S.  

As high-level economic and trade talks between China and the U.S. have made substantive progress, U.S. stocks have rebounded recently. However, U.S. financial figures have warned that the risk of market volatility caused by U.S. tariff policies still exists.  

On the 17th local time, U.S. President Trump posted a message criticizing U.S. retail giant Walmart for blaming tariff-induced price hikes, stating that the company should bear the additional costs from U.S. tariff policies.  

### ECB President: Europe Sees an Opportunity  

According to CCTV News on the 19th, the ECB’s official website stated on the 18th local time that in a recent interview with French media, ECB President Christine Lagarde said the recent strength of the euro against the dollar is due to the U.S.’s capricious policies—including tariff measures—and that this represents an opportunity for Europe.  

Lagarde noted that after the new U.S. administration took office, the situation in the three pillars of international cooperation—economics, politics, and defense—changed immediately. She said this is more of an opportunity than a threat. Europe has witnessed challenges to the rule of law, judicial systems, and trade rules in the U.S., with uncertainty persisting. In contrast, Europe is seen as a stable economic and political region with a robust currency and an independent central bank. European leaders must seize this opportunity to accelerate the deepening of EU cooperation.  

Since the beginning of this year, the U.S. dollar has fallen against multiple currencies due to the U.S. government’s multiple policies. The U.S. Dollar Index, which measures the dollar against six major currencies, fluctuated downward from a high of 110.18 on January 13, at one point breaking below the 98 mark. The euro against the dollar also rose to a three-year high in April. Lagarde pointed out that the dollar typically strengthens significantly during periods of uncertainty, but the opposite is happening now: the euro is strengthening against the dollar. This counterintuitive trend reflects increased uncertainty and a loss of confidence in U.S. policies in some financial markets.  

Lagarde also stressed that if EU-U.S. tariff negotiations fail, the EU needs to have strong countermeasures. It is also crucial that the European Commission seeks consensus with other countries on this matter.  

### U.S. Media: U.S. Tariff Policies Slow Foreign Investment in America  

According to CCTV News, *Politico* published an article on the 18th local time titled *In U.S. States, Tariffs Haven’t Brought the Surge in Foreign Investment Trump Promised*.  

The article said that contrary to the U.S. government’s claims that "surging tariffs would bring trillions of dollars in foreign investment to the U.S.," officials in multiple U.S. states have reported that economic uncertainty caused by the government’s tariff policies has slowed foreign investment in the U.S.  

The article notes that as the U.S. government is eager to demonstrate signs of economic growth, some companies have received praise and promotion from the government simply by stating they are "considering increasing U.S. production capacity." But these announcements "may obscure economic reality": many of the business investment plans touted by the U.S. government were either years in the making, exaggerated, or likely to change in the future. Data shows that although the U.S. government claims several automakers recently said they would move production lines to the U.S., U.S. automotive manufacturing jobs have actually decreased by more than 20% compared to 2024.  

The article points out that economic officials in multiple U.S. states have said they have not seen a wave of foreign investment in the U.S. On the contrary, uncertainty from tariff policies is deterring many foreign companies from investing in the U.S. market. Michigan officials said that while many foreign investors are still preparing local investments, decision-making has slowed amid uncertainty. Wisconsin officials noted that corporate investment requires the highest possible certainty, and many foreign investors have put原定 investment plans on hold.  

Separately, Bruno Bonnell, Secretary General of France’s General Secretariat for Investment, recently said that uncertainty from U.S. government tariff policies will ultimately拖累 (drag down) global investment in the U.S. Bonnell pointed out that U.S. government decisions are completely unpredictable, and the uncertainty they create is pressuring businesses. In fact, French investment in the U.S. has "cooled significantly."  

### Trump Warns Walmart Over Tariff-Based Price Hikes  

According to CCTV News, on the 17th local time, U.S. President Trump posted a message criticizing Walmart, the U.S. retail giant, for blaming tariff-induced price increases, stating that the company should bear the additional costs from U.S. tariff policies.  

Walmart had previously said it would raise prices on some goods in the U.S. due to U.S. tariff policies. Trump argued that Walmart, which had a lucrative year last year, should absorb the tariff costs itself. "Walmart should stop blaming tariffs for across-the-board price increases. Walmart made billions of dollars last year, far exceeding expectations," he wrote. "They should 'swallow' these tariffs instead of charging their valued customers. I’m watching, and so are your customers!"  

When asked to respond to Trump’s post on the 17th, Walmart repeated its earlier stance.  

In a statement, Walmart said, "We are committed to keeping prices as low as possible, and we will not stop. Given the reality of low retail profit margins, we will maintain the lowest possible prices for as long as possible."  

As a retail giant and the U.S.’s largest grocer, Walmart is often seen as a barometer of retailer and U.S. consumer health.  

CNBC reports note that more and more U.S. companies are raising prices due to tariffs, and Walmart has joined this trend.  

Microsoft said earlier this month that it has raised the suggested retail price of Xbox consoles and some controllers.  

A recent industry report from U.S. consulting firm Telsey Advisory Group showed that prices for some Barbie dolls sold in the U.S. rose 43% from April 16 to April 30, while prices for some Whirlpool washing machines increased by about $80 during the same period. The report also noted that goods not yet affected by tariffs will soon face price hikes, with "retailers and manufacturers agreeing that higher costs will be passed on to consumers."  

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