Wed Feb 26 21:33:18 UTC 2025: **Trump Announces New Tariffs on EU, Accuses Bloc of Exploiting US**

WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump announced plans for sweeping 25% tariffs on European Union imports, escalating already strained transatlantic relations. In a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Trump vehemently accused the EU of being formed to “screw the United States,” claiming the bloc has exploited the US economically. He cited a $235.6 billion trade deficit last year as evidence. The announcement was met with immediate condemnation from the European Commission, which countered that the EU is a beneficial free market. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt dismissed Trump’s claims as a “seriously distorted view of history,” highlighting the EU’s role in preventing European conflict.

Trump’s comments followed a week of escalating tensions. The US unexpectedly sided with Russia at the UN, opposing a resolution demanding Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Trump further asserted that Europe, not the US, should provide security guarantees to Ukraine, a position at odds with its allies. This stance comes as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is set to visit Washington to negotiate a mineral wealth agreement with the US.

The planned tariffs, which will reportedly affect products including automobiles, are expected to severely impact Germany’s economy. The European Commission has warned of a firm and immediate response. The escalating trade war adds to already existing tensions stemming from Trump’s previous tariff actions against Canada, Mexico, and China.

Further complicating matters, a planned meeting between EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was canceled, cited as a scheduling conflict. While Trump met with French President Macron earlier this week and will meet with UK Prime Minister Starmer on Thursday, the cancellation underscores the current chill in US-EU relations. The upcoming German election winner, Friedrich Merz, while a supporter of the transatlantic alliance, has urged Europe to accelerate its defense independence from the US, a sentiment echoed by Senator Rubio, who stressed the need for increased European defense spending.

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