Trump Explodes at Ally Whose Goal is to ‘Screw the United States’
President Donald Trump signaled a major escalation in trade tensions with the European Union on Wednesday, announcing plans to impose a sweeping 25 percent tariff on imported European goods.
Speaking during a White House cabinet meeting, Trump took a combative stance on trade relations with one of America’s largest trading partners.
“We have made a decision, we will be announcing it very soon, it will be 25 percent generally speaking,” Trump told reporters. “It will be on cars and all of the things.”
The president has frequently criticized the existing trade imbalance, pointing out that the European Union imposes a 10 percent tariff on American-made vehicles while the United States currently levies only a 2.5 percent tariff on European cars.
Despite expressing personal affection for Europe and referencing his own European heritage, Trump made it clear that he believes current trade arrangements disadvantage American interests.
“I love the countries of Europe, I love all countries frankly, all different, but the European Union, it was formed in order to screw the United States, I mean look let’s be honest,” he said.
The European Union was established to strengthen trade relations globally, providing member nations with greater negotiating power for their products. Trump, however, dismissed this characterization.
“They’ve done a good job with of it but now I’m president,” Trump explained.
NOW – Trump: "The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That is the purpose of it." pic.twitter.com/u9IgXVcfUy
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) February 26, 2025
When questioned about potential European retaliation with counter-tariffs, Trump appeared unconcerned. “They can’t, but they can try,” he replied.
The president emphasized America’s position as the world’s largest consumer market, suggesting this gives the United States leverage in any trade dispute.
“The numbers can never equal what ours, because we can go off,” he continued. “We are the pot of gold, we are the one that everyone wants. They can retaliate but it can not be a successful retaliation because we just go cold turkey, we don’t buy anymore.”
This latest announcement aligns with Trump’s broader second-term trade agenda.
He has already vowed to impose 25 percent tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada, as previously outlined by TTOA.
The president also recently signed an executive order adding an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports, building upon tariffs established during his first term.
The timing of Trump’s comments is notable, coming shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the White House. During their meetings, the leaders discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and economic relations between the United States and Europe.
Macron attempted to dissuade Trump from escalating trade tensions. “I hope I did convince him on trade and tariffs,” Macron said, per Daily Mail. “I told him, it’s very important for you not to launch new tariffs.”
The French president expressed concern that a trade war would undermine his goal of increasing European defense spending. “The emergency is to increase our defense and security expenditures. How do you want us to increase our defense and security expenditures if we are in a trade war?” Macron asked.
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