Using U.S. Energy as Leverage || May 13, 2026
Trade relations between the U.S. and Europe are on the fritz. The latest in all the noise is the suggestion that the U.S. could restrict LNG exports to the EU if trade negotiations break down.
This is a low blow, as Europe imports most of its gas. And if you haven't noticed...the world is in a bit of a shortage at the moment. Cutting off exports would be legally and practically difficult, but a distressing notion nonetheless.
While the idea of using U.S. energy dominance as a negotiating tool isn't surprising, I had originally pictured this strategy as being reserved for rivals, not allies. But there's the Trump administration for you.
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Comments (31)
Now that he's thrown Taiwan under the bus, it seems Trump will do whatever benefits Putin and Xi, regardless of how it damages our country and our allies. Is this pure incompetence or deliberate treason?
I don't think Trump sees allies. There are specific people he idolizes. And there are people he thinks can take advantage of to benefit him. So screwing over everyone and anyone is just part of doing business in his world... or so I'd guess.
With "allies" like the US, who needs enemies?
I can imagine a scenario where the EU and Russia agree on a "grand bargain" vis-a-vis Ukraine, restoration of oil & gas purchases, general trade and perhaps investment in/utilization of Russian territory for deployment of further deployment of renewable energy (wind, solar, hydro and geothermal) in order to help wean Russia slowly off of fossil fuels. Of course, this would likely require the likely defenistration of Putin, but c'est la vie.
Back to Russia it is
creepy voice
Technology China's leverage is raw minerals
Imagine if Canada had built pipelines and export facilities over the last decade instead of Trudeau saying “there is no business case for them” Canada could supply all of Europe and have leverage over trade negotiations with the US and Europe.
well that means a declaration of war from US to EU, so US is an enemy nothing else
So. If the EU won't help keep Hormuz open, why should the US? True that Iranian nukes seem to be for US but does that matter? Can't expect the US to be the world cop forever.
What about Venezuela becoming the 51st state? Even more energy then.
“ what are you gonna do about it?” is the catchphrase of Trump‘s entire career. Just remember that saying when you think he will or won’t do something.
Bullies and jerks have crawled out from under their rocks. The US is making America great for A&&ho@es.
Weaponization of energy: Short term: US will be able to create winners and losers in the global economy. US allies will be able to enjoy preferential pricing in the energy/LNG spot market. Long term: Further breaks global economic order/globalization. Countries will hedge on alternate players. Risk of self defeat for US foreign policy. LNG can be rerouted in grey market (banning direct US LNG export to Europe doesn't mean it won't get rerouted to Europe thru a third party).
It is a pity that we are in a time where the US could be building out its manufacturing, improving trade, and helping Ukraine defeat tyranny. Yet, we are stuck with a pathetic, petty little man who doesn't know how to deal except by bullying and thuggery. We, and the world, will be so much better off when he is gone forever.
Or maybe Europe should not have wasted 50 years pillaging the US economic relationship and then wasting the money on its welfare state. The only way to bring back manufacturing is by forcibly stopping EU from cheating.
Democracy is the enemy of this administration, both at home and abroad… what do we expect from our leaders who have fond memories of their time on Little St. James?
Can Peter effin teleport?! Dude is all over the place
Clones ?
Trumps allies are let's see: Russia, Belarus, North Korea, and Iran was... Remember the UN votes...
Did the oil companies think that they could buy his loyalty ? He doesn't have any
Tell me that the US isn't a gangster state under Trump.
The US isn't a gangster state under Trump. We've been coddling the rest of the world for two generations and are now deciding to take care of ourselves first.
Yeah, but EU doesn’t help us with Iran: to open straight and make regime change…
Hoping this was sarcasm...WE haven't opened the strait because we know they could sink ships, why would any other country sacrifice their own when they have pitiful navies comparatively, and were kept completely out of the loop until Trump realized he fucked up and needed someone to bail him out.
Defecting obviously won't ingratiate you with the Trump administration, but hiding out in a cave a la Bin Laden seems a little bit extreme.
If this happens then we are not allies anymore. A great geostrategic chance for Russia.
Maybe. But I think China would be the big winner here!
Is a transactional world baby....
no, it is not, but usa makes it so
Has anyone ever seen Peter and Bruce Wayne in the same room before?