Ryanair's outspoken chief executive, Michael O'Leary, has issued a stark call for Europe to abandon its attempts to appease Donald Trump and instead adopt a far more belligerent foreign policy towards the United States administration. Speaking to journalists in Dublin, the airline boss argued that the continent must finally stand its ground against transatlantic trade threats.
A Call for Reciprocal Action
O'Leary stated unequivocally that if President Trump moves to impose tariffs on European goods, the EU must respond immediately with tariffs of its own. "If Trump threatens Europe with tariffs, Europe should respond in like measure, and Trump will chicken out, he generally does," he asserted. The Ryanair leader expressed confidence that such a firm stance would force a quick retreat, given the US President's perceived aversion to prolonged economic conflict.
Economic Interdependence as a Deterrent
The aviation executive elaborated on his belief that any full-scale trade war would be short-lived. He pointed to the deep economic integration between the two blocs, highlighting the vast number of American corporations operating within Europe and the significant volume of bilateral trade. "I don't think a trade war would last very long, given the amount of American businesses that are based here in Europe, and given the amount Europe imports from America and vice versa," O'Leary explained.
He further suggested that domestic political pressures within the United States would act as a powerful constraint. With crucial mid-term elections scheduled for November, O'Leary speculated that Trump could ill-afford the economic disruption of a sustained dispute with a major trading partner like Europe.
Potential Silver Linings and Sector Exemptions
While hoping to avoid a trade conflict altogether, O'Leary speculated on potential downstream effects. He noted Trump's likely focus on reducing oil prices and interest rates ahead of the elections, which could, in turn, lead to lower airfares for consumers. "If oil prices fall or continue to fall... then I think a lot of those oil price savings will be passed on in the form of lower fares," he said.
He also emphasised the critical need for any potential trade measures to exempt key aviation components. "I hoped there would not be a trade war, but if there was, that aircraft and engines will be exempt," O'Leary stated, underscoring the sector's vulnerability to cross-border supply chains.
Selective Agreement and Firm Disagreement
The Ryanair CEO did concede some areas of agreement with the US President, notably on the need for increased NATO spending and opposition to certain environmental taxes. However, he was scathing on other fronts, citing Trump's positions on tariffs, Ukraine, and Greenland as fundamentally wrong.
"But where he's wrong Europe should stand up as a strong trading bloc and tell him he's wrong, and stop trying to pander to him and invite him to dinner," O'Leary concluded, framing the issue as one of asserting European sovereignty and economic strength rather than seeking diplomatic favour.
His comments represent a direct challenge to what he perceives as a overly conciliatory European stance, advocating for a strategy built on confidence in the bloc's own economic power and a willingness to engage in firm reciprocity.
