On February 26th, U.S. President Donald Trump launched a new round of fierce attacks on the European Union, claiming that the EU was "created to screw the United States." He threatened to impose a 25% tariff on the EU.

In response, there was strong backlash from all sectors in Europe. The EU warned that such a move would severely damage economic and trade relations between Europe and the United States, and disrupt global economic stability.

Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on EU

On that day, when discussing the EU, Trump said that the EU was "taking advantage of the United States" and "refusing to accept American cars and agricultural products" for various reasons, creating a trade deficit of approximately "$300 billion" between the United States and the EU.

U.S. President Donald Trump: The EU was created to screw the United States. I mean, let's be honest, the EU was created to deal with the United States, that's its purpose.

Reporter: Have you decided on the level of tariffs you will impose on the EU?

U.S. President Donald Trump: We've decided, and we'll announce it soon. It's 25% across the board, including cars and various other goods.

Previous reports by Politico, an American political news website, pointed out that the U.S.-EU trade deficit was not as large as Trump had claimed. According to EU data, in 2023, the United States had a trade deficit with the EU in goods but achieved a surplus in services. Overall, the U.S. trade deficit with the EU in 2023 was approximately $56 billion.

Scheduling Conflict? Meeting Between U.S. Secretary of State and EU Official Cancelled

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell began his visit to the United States on the 26th and had originally planned to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio that day. However, the meeting was suddenly cancelled at the last minute. Both U.S. and EU officials stated that the cancellation was due to a "scheduling conflict." Some European officials expressed surprise at the cancellation, stating that Borrell was caught off guard.