Portugal no longer wants American F-35s because of Donald Trump

Donald Trump immediately initiated a trade war at the start of his second term in the White House. The US imposes extreme trade tariffs and faces retaliatory tariffs in return. An explosive ping pong game.

Portugal has now also decided to forgo the purchase of American F-35s and cites the behaviour and position of Donald Trump as the reason for this remarkable decision. Although its own air force had identified the F-35 as a suitable successor to the ageing F-16s, Portugal will not order these fighter jets from the United States.

“We cannot ignore the geopolitical environment in our choices”, declared Defence Minister Nuno Melo in the Portuguese media. “The recent position of the United States, including with regard to NATO, should make us think about the best options. The predictability of our allies is a greater advantage to consider.”

Consequently, American Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of these modern fighter jets, sees a lucrative deal evaporate because of Donald Trump.

(FVDV - Source: Publico - Stock image: Unsplash)