Trump Allies Push Retaliation Against UK
Allies of US President Donald Trump are calling for American states to retaliate against Britain after the UK introduced restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Calls to Target British Companies
Conservative commentator and Trump ally Mark Levin urged US states with anti-BDS laws to consider action against British companies that comply with the UK measures. He argued that nearly 40 states could potentially use such laws against firms involved in the restrictions.
Republican Congressman Randy Fine went further, warning that British companies complying with the UK policy could be barred from doing business with Florida’s state and local governments. Florida's anti-BDS legislation covers commercial activity involving Israeli-controlled territories, including settlements.
Economic and Legal Concerns
The proposals have drawn criticism over their potential impact on American businesses and workers. British companies support more than 70,000 jobs in Florida, while UK-owned businesses operate widely across the state. Bilateral trade between Florida and the UK was valued at $5.8 billion in 2022.
The dispute also revives constitutional questions surrounding US anti-BDS laws. Courts have reached different conclusions, with some measures blocked on First Amendment grounds while an Arkansas law was upheld by a federal appeals court.
