People in Turkey are resorting to drastic measures in order to take a stand against President Donald Trump, destroying popular American products as a symbol for their opposition to the country's stance on increased import tariffs. One video that has gained popularity on Twitter shows a group of men in the country handing over their iPhones, serving as a major symbol for US brands, before one member lines the Apple models up and smashes them with a hammer. It may seem dramatic but in another video circulating online, a handgun is used to destroy an iPhone, with the person pulling the trigger shooting a bullet straight through the screen.
Turkish children are getting involved in the action too. A particularly poignant clip features a young boy pouring the contents of a large Coca-Cola bottle into a toilet, like many other people across the country vow to boycott products from US companies. Some videos have shown dollars burning, however, it's not clear whether the bills are real or fake. It may seem unreasonable but Turks are using American products to show support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has increased tariffs on goods imported from the United States.
As well as things such as leaf tobacco, coal and rice, the rates for cosmetics, alcohol, and vehicles have more than doubled in some instances. His move came after Trump increased steel tariffs for Turkey, while the changes for aluminium will take effect soon. Trump is involved in a dispute involving American Pastor Andrew Brunson who is being tried in Turkey for espionage and terror-related charges, however, the White House says the tariffs are not related to the spat.
Turks are so keen to support Erdogan that a barbershop removed an 'American style' cut from the menu. Various other gestures have been documented under the Twitter hashtag #TurkeyWillPrevail.Street vendors have been offering free traditional fish sandwiches to those who can prove they've converted their US dollars to the country's lira currency.'The import duties were increased on some products, under the principle of reciprocity, in response to the U.S. administration's deliberate attacks on our economy,' Vice President Fuat Oktay wrote on Twitter.
The exchange rate hit a low this week at 7.24 to the dollar but bounced back up to around 6 later on as Qatar pledged to invest $15billion in the country's economy. Ankara stood by Doha after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other members of the GCC severed diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Qatar last year. Qatar was accused of financing terrorism but denies the charges.' They have not proven to be a good friend,' Trump said of Turkey during a Cabinet meeting today. 'They have a great Christian pastor there. He's an innocent man.' US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said during a meeting of President Donald Trump's Cabinet on Thursday: 'We have more than we are planning to do if they don´t release him quickly.'