-
Pentagon chief says US will ensure 'deterrence' across Taiwan Strait
-
Hudson's Bay Company: from fur trade to department store downfall
-
AI-powered drones track down fires in German forests
-
China, South Korea and Japan agree to strengthen free trade
-
US, China raise the stakes in Panama Canal ports row
-
Australian black market tobacco sparks firebombings, budget hole
-
Charity chair accuses Prince Harry of 'bullying' as row escalates
-
WHO must cut budget by fifth after US pullout: email
-
Scientists explain why Myanmar quake was so deadly
-
French chefs quake as Michelin prepares new guide
-
Mike Leigh on the 'hard truths' of film, happiness and World War III
-
UK dreams of US trade deal before Trump tariffs
-
Partial solar eclipse to cross swathe of Northern Hemisphere
-
'Defiant' Canada autoworkers vow to fight tariff layoffs
-
Performance, museums, history: Trump's cultural power grab
-
Elon Musk says xAI startup buying X platform
-
Global markets slide as fears over US tariffs intensify
-
Vance says Denmark has 'under invested' in Greenland
-
Record fine for UK university renews free speech row
-
French lawyers condemn 'sexism' of Depardieu's defence in abuse trial
-
Stock markets slide over US inflation, tariff fears
-
Vance lands in Greenland as anger mounts over Trump takeover bid
-
US 'in arrears' at the WTO
-
US Fed's preferred inflation gauge shows some cause for concern
-
Germany says 'nothing off table' in US tariff row
-
Clouds and conspiracies: concerns over push to make rain
-
Stock markets drop as autos suffer more tariff-fuelled losses
-
No 'spring revival' for Germany as unemployment rises
-
Pilgrim walks across Bosnia to help heal the lasting wounds of war
-
Asian markets sink as autos suffer more tariff-fuelled losses
-
Rain offers respite to South Korea firefighters as death toll rises
-
Japan PM says Trump's tariff views hard to understand
-
Rubio vows to keep stripping visas after furor over snatched student
-
Rain gives some respite to South Korea firefighters as death toll rises
-
The UK car loan scandal that could cost banks billions
-
'My entire life': Saudi tailor keeps robe-making craft alive
-
Regulator clears Qatar Airways-Virgin Australia alliance
-
Trump administration expands university DEI probes to California
-
Maradona died 'in agony,' forensic expert tells court
-
US judge orders Trump admin to save 'Signalgate' chat
-
Autos lead market losses after Trump unveils sharp tariffs
-
Rubio warns Venezuela of force if it attacks oil-rich Guyana
-
Era of close ties with US 'is over': Canada PM Carney
-
US auto industry stunned by tariffs meant to save it
-
Why has Mexico's water debt opened new battle line with US?
-
Argentina seeking $20 billion IMF loan
-
Space telescope Gaia sent into 'retirement' but legacy endures
-
BBC launches survey on its future ahead of funding review
-
Walmart to invest billions in Mexico despite US tariff threat
-
Autos lead market losses after Trump tariffs
Rebellion against Trump: "Ready for War?"
Donald Trump’s re-ascension to the U.S. presidency in January 2025 has sparked a series of protests and statements of defiance across multiple continents, with some activists and commentators adopting the provocative slogan, "We are ready for war." While the phrase has gained traction among certain groups, it remains a symbolic expression of opposition rather than a literal call to arms, rooted in concerns over Trump’s policies and their global implications.
The unrest began shortly after Trump’s inauguration on 20 January 2025, when he reinstated his "America First" doctrine, announcing plans to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time and impose tariffs on European and Chinese goods. In response, demonstrations erupted in several major cities. On 25 January, an estimated 10,000 people gathered in Paris, according to French police figures, where activist Élise Moreau, a known figure in the climate movement, coined the phrase "We are ready for war" during a speech outside the U.S. Embassy. Moreau clarified in a later interview with Le Monde that her words were metaphorical, intended to signify "a battle of ideas and values" against what she called Trump’s "anti-globalist agenda."
In Europe, the backlash has been particularly pronounced. On 3 February, Berlin saw a protest of 8,000 people, per German authorities, with banners reading "Nein zu Trump" ("No to Trump") and demands for the European Union to strengthen its autonomy from U.S. influence. The German Foreign Ministry issued a statement on 5 February, expressing "concern" over Trump’s proposed NATO funding cuts, which he reiterated in a speech on 1 February in Florida, threatening to reduce U.S. contributions unless allies increased their defence spending.
Across the Channel, the United Kingdom has also witnessed dissent. On 10 March, approximately 5,000 protesters marched through London, according to Metropolitan Police estimates, organised by a coalition of environmental and human rights groups. Labour MP Zara Khan addressed the crowd, criticising Trump’s tariff threats, which the UK Treasury warned could cost British exporters £2 billion annually based on 2024 trade data. Khan called for "resolute opposition" but avoided endorsing the "war" rhetoric directly.
In Asia, reactions have been more restrained but no less significant. South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "deep unease" on 15 February after Trump suggested renegotiating the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, a move analysts say could disrupt Seoul’s economy, which exported $84 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2024, per Korea Customs Service data. Meanwhile, in Japan, a small demonstration of 300 people occurred in Tokyo on 20 February, according to local police, with participants citing fears over Trump’s hints at reducing U.S. troop presence in the region, as reported by The Japan Times.
Trump has dismissed the international criticism. At a rally in Ohio on 12 March, attended by an estimated 15,000 supporters per local officials, he labelled the protests "a tantrum by sore losers" and vowed to prioritise American interests "no matter the noise from abroad." His administration has yet to respond formally to the growing unrest, though White House Press Secretary John Carter stated on 16 March that "the president welcomes dialogue with allies" but will not bow to external pressure.
Experts caution against overinterpreting the "war" rhetoric. Dr. Maria Costa, a political scientist at the University of Oxford, told this publication, "The phrase is a hyperbolic signal of frustration, not a policy proposal. It reflects genuine fears about trade wars, climate inaction, and geopolitical instability." Data from the World Trade Organization supports some of these concerns, projecting that Trump’s proposed 20% tariffs could reduce global trade volume by 1.5% in 2026 if implemented.
As of now, no official coordinated international response has emerged, though activists are planning a "Global Day of Action" on 1 April, with events scheduled in at least 12 cities worldwide, according to organisers’ statements on X. Governments, meanwhile, appear focused on diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Anna Berger are set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Michael Hayes in Brussels next week to discuss NATO and trade, per a 17 March EU press release.
While the "rebellion" remains largely symbolic, its scale and intensity underscore the polarising impact of Trump’s leadership on the global stage. Whether it evolves into a substantive challenge or fades as rhetoric will depend on the actions of both his administration and the international community in the months ahead.

EU Pledges €800 Billion for Defence to Deter Russia

Israel escalates War to crush Hamas

Trump, Putin and the question: What now?

Canada challenges Trump on Tariffs

Nuclear weapons for Poland against Russia?

Ukraine: Problem with the ceasefire?

Ukraine Loses Kursk: A Collapse?

Russia's "Alliance" in the Balkans is sinking

US Federal Reserve with “announcement”

Germany doesn't want any more migrants?

Wealth that Brazil is not utilizing!
