Trump Announces Massive Punishment After Being Treated ‘So Terribly’
Citing what he described as years of “unfair treatment” in trade negotiations, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will “absolutely” impose tariffs on the European Union. This statement marks a major shift in U.S. trade policy under Trump, as his administration also prepares to introduce tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada.
During a discussion on trade policy, Trump made his position clear. "Will I apply tariffs to the European Union? Should I give you a political response, or do you want the honest one? Of course."
“Absolutely. The European Union has treated us so terribly,” Trump asserted, reiterating his long-standing concerns regarding the bloc’s trade policies.
For years, Trump has criticized the EU, arguing that its trade rules place American businesses at a disadvantage. His administration has maintained that while European nations enjoy relatively open access to U.S. markets, they impose significant tariffs and strict regulations on American exports.
In a Truth Social post from December, Trump reinforced his stance, stating, “I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large scale purchase of our oil and gas.” He warned, “Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!”
If Trump follows through with new tariffs, the European Commission has signaled that it is ready to respond. The U.S. is the EU’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for $576.3 billion in exports to the U.S. in 2023—nearly 20% of the EU’s total exports—according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
The European Union, a political and economic alliance of 27 nations, was established to promote economic cooperation and works together on trade, security, and regulatory policies. It operates its own governing institutions, including the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council.
The EU also upholds a single market that allows the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member states. While disputes over taxation and regulations have sparked tensions in recent years, the EU remains one of the United States’ largest economic partners.
Trump’s decision is expected to further strain trade relations between Washington and Brussels. His latest remarks align with his administration’s broader “America First” trade strategy, which has already introduced tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China in an effort to strengthen American manufacturing and reduce the U.S. trade deficit.
Friday also marked exactly five years since Britain’s official departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020. The Brexit process, which began with the 2016 referendum where 52% of voters chose to leave, concluded on that date.
Two days after Trump assumed office, EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič extended an olive branch, signaling a willingness to engage with the U.S. administration. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Šefčovič told Politico that despite Trump’s persistent tariff threats, Brussels remains open to dialogue.
“We listen very carefully to the messages coming from there, from the White House,” Šefčovič remarked in his first print interview since taking office in December.