In a recent cabinet meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by stating that the European Union (EU) was established to \"screw\" the United States. \"The European Union was formed to screw the United States – that's the purpose of it and they've done a good job of it,\" Trump declared in Washington, D.C. He further emphasized his administration's stance by announcing upcoming tariffs, stating, \"It'll be 25 percent.\"
The European Commission swiftly responded, highlighting the EU's role as the world's largest free market and its positive impact on the U.S. economy. A spokesperson for the Commission remarked, \"The European Union is the world's largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States.\" Additionally, the EU has promised to respond \"firmly and immediately\" to the proposed tariffs.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also weighed in on the matter via X (formerly Twitter), countering Trump's narrative. Tusk stated, \"The EU wasn't formed to screw anyone. Quite the opposite. It was formed to maintain peace, to build respect among our nations, to create free and fair trade, and to strengthen our transatlantic friendship. As simple as that.\"
These developments come amid rising tensions in U.S.-Europe trade relations, with the Trump administration threatening to impose higher import taxes on European goods to match existing tariffs on U.S. exports. This move has raised concerns among global investors and could have broader implications for international trade dynamics.
