Washington, D.C., February 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the European Union, stating that the bloc was established to undermine the United States. His remarks came during his first cabinet meeting since resuming office, where he also detailed plans for new tariffs on European goods.
“Look, let’s be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday. “That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it. But now I’m president.”
In response, the European Commission defended the EU, calling it “the world’s largest free market” that has significantly benefited the United States. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt also criticized Trump’s assertion, stating that the EU was “actually set up to prevent war on the European continent.”
The U.S. has historically supported European integration, viewing the EU’s formation in 1993 as a step toward lasting peace following two world wars. However, Trump has taken a starkly different approach, previously endorsing the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU and promoting an “America First” policy that prioritizes national interests over international alliances.
Trump further accused the EU of exploiting the U.S. economy, citing a trade deficit of $235.6 billion with the 27-nation bloc in the past year. When asked about the specifics of his tariff plan, he said an announcement would come soon, with an anticipated 25% tariff on European goods, including automobiles—a move that could significantly impact Germany’s export-driven economy.
The European Commission warned it would respond “firmly and immediately” if new tariffs were imposed. Trump has previously enacted tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, citing trade imbalances and issues such as irregular immigration and fentanyl smuggling.
Amid escalating tensions, Trump remarked on his European ancestry, stating, “I guess I’m from there at some point a long time ago, right?” However, his administration’s stance on the EU has led to friction on several geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.
On Monday, the U.S. sided with Russia at the United Nations, backing a resolution that called for an immediate end to the war without insisting on Ukraine’s territorial integrity—a move that diverged sharply from the position of most European allies. Trump reiterated that security guarantees for Ukraine should be a European responsibility, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to visit Washington for discussions on U.S. assistance.
Additionally, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas was in Washington for scheduled meetings, including one with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, the meeting was canceled due to “scheduling issues,” according to an EU spokesperson.
As tensions continue to mount between the U.S. and its European partners, analysts anticipate further diplomatic and economic challenges in the transatlantic relationship.
