Donald Trump Cuts Off US Funding To World Trade Organization: What To Know
NewsweekMAR 27
EU Proposes Asia Trade Alliance as WTO Alternative
Above: A woman enters the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva on April 16, 2025. Image copyright: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The EU's bold move to create an Asia-Pacific trade alliance shows real leadership in fixing the broken global trade system. With the WTO completely paralyzed by American obstruction since 2019, Europe is stepping up to build something that actually works. This isn't about excluding anyone - it's about proving that rules-based free trade is still possible when countries are serious about cooperation.
Pro-US narrative
This European scheme looks like a desperate attempt to gang up on America while President Trump is trying to fix unfair trade deals. The EU has been taking advantage of the U.S. for years with their trade surplus and barriers to American goods. Instead of working with Trump to create balanced agreements, they're plotting with Asia to isolate America from global trade decisions.