Trump: EU was formed to 'screw' the United States

[Social Media]

 

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday that the European Union was established with the intention of taking advantage of the United States, reinforcing his stance on trade imbalances as he once again threatened to impose a 25% tariff on EU goods. His remarks sparked immediate backlash from European officials, who insisted that the economic relationship between the two had been beneficial for both parties.

 

"Look, let's be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States," Trump declared while addressing reporters at his first cabinet meeting of the year. "That's the purpose of it, and they've done a good job of it. But now I'm president."

 

Trump reiterated his long-standing grievance that the European Union has "really taken advantage of us," a claim he has also directed at China, the media, Democrats, and even U.S. allies like Canada. His comments underscored his ongoing push for what he perceives as fairer trade policies that put "America First."

 

The European Union was quick to respond, with a European Commission official rejecting Trump's assertion and emphasizing the bloc’s positive impact on U.S. economic interests. "The European Union is the world's largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States," the official stated, adding that the EU would respond "firmly and immediately" if the proposed tariffs were implemented. "We should work together to preserve these opportunities for our people and businesses. Not against each other."

 

Tensions between Trump and the EU have escalated in recent weeks, as European leaders, including Germany's likely next chancellor, have voiced their support for increasing military independence from Washington. For decades, the United States has been a proponent of European integration, viewing the EU’s formation in 1993 as a key milestone in fostering stability after the devastation of two world wars. However, Trump’s approach has diverged significantly, as he welcomed the United Kingdom’s departure from the EU and has pursued a more isolationist policy that prioritizes U.S. interests over traditional alliances.

 

The trade deficit between the United States and the 27-member EU stood at $235.6 billion last year, according to official U.S. data. When asked about the specifics of the impending tariffs, Trump confirmed that an announcement would be made soon. "We'll be announcing it very soon and it'll be 25 percent, generally speaking," he stated, singling out automobiles as one of the key sectors that would be affected. The news is particularly concerning for Germany, whose economy heavily relies on exports and has already been experiencing a downturn.

 

Trump has previously imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, citing various reasons such as illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling. His hardline stance on immigration remains a focal point of his presidency, despite his own ancestral roots in Europe. Acknowledging this connection, he remarked, "I guess I'm from there at some point a long time ago, right?"

 

Beyond trade, Trump’s relationship with European leaders has been fraught with disagreements over key geopolitical issues, most notably Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who was scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, had her meeting unexpectedly canceled due to "scheduling issues," according to an EU spokesman. Meanwhile, Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday and was set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.

 

A major point of contention has been the ongoing war in Ukraine. On Monday, the United States aligned with Russia against most of its European allies at the United Nations, backing a resolution calling for an immediate end to the conflict without guaranteeing Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Trump asserted that Europe, rather than the U.S., should be responsible for ensuring Ukraine's security. "We're going to have Europe do that," he said. "Europe is their next-door neighbor, but we're going to make sure everything goes well."

 

Friedrich Merz, the winner of Germany’s recent election and a known advocate for transatlantic cooperation, has acknowledged the reality of Trump's policies, urging Europe to achieve greater independence in defense matters. "We must not have any illusions about Trump," Merz cautioned, emphasizing the need for Europe to fortify its own security measures.

 

Senator Marco Rubio echoed similar sentiments in an interview with Fox News, reassuring that NATO remains intact but stressing that Europe must invest more in its defense capabilities. "We're not saying do your own thing. We're saying do more. It's their continent, right?" he remarked.

 

Based on a report by France 24  2025-02-28

 

 

[blaze master]

Cue crusty old liberal privileged male telling us all how Trump is this and that. While they sit on their nest egg generally not being effected by this. 

 

Most of the loudest posters on this forum are quite well off and sitting pretty into retirement. Well earned but totally obvlious.

[DonniePeverley]

One month in - He's exhausting. Can he keep this crap up ?

 

Take a holiday man 

[thesetat]

The man only has 4 years. 3 really to set things on a track the actually benefits the US citizens. He is not eligible to be president again. He needs to take action now as quickly as he can during his stint as president. It took many years for the DEMS to achieve this level screwing over American interests in the US. Just to appease and make other countries want to support the DEMS when they wanted or needed it. IF trade agreements were unfairly made that hurt the US, then they need to be changed to a better position that benefits the US again. 

As it stands, The US has only lost in trade around the world. Just as in Thailand where they make and send so many things to the US without tax or tariff, but everything that US sends to Thailand is double taxed with additional fees demanded by customs making the products scarce and expensive. 

[Gsxrnz]

Donald J. Trump is the Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee of the global political swamp. Calls it as he sees it, and doesn't give a monkey's.

 

And he's got a knife.