EU was born to 'screw' US, Trump says

President Donald Trump escalated tensions with the European Union on Wednesday, claiming the bloc was created to "screw" the United States as he unveiled a new round of tariffs.

Since returning to office, Trump has clashed with European allies over Ukraine, defense spending, and trade policy. His latest remarks came during his first cabinet meeting, where he accused the EU of exploiting the US.

"Let's be honest, the European Union was formed to take advantage of the United States," Trump said. "And they've done a good job of it. But now I'm president."

The European Commission swiftly rejected Trump’s claim, emphasizing the EU as "the world's largest free market" that has benefited the US. Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt criticized Trump's "distorted view of history," noting the EU was created to prevent war in Europe.

For decades, the US encouraged European integration, celebrating the EU's formation in 1993 as a milestone for continental stability. Trump, however, has taken a starkly different approach, backing Brexit and prioritizing an "America First" agenda.

At the cabinet meeting, Trump accused the EU of exploiting US trade policies, citing a $235.6 billion trade deficit. He confirmed impending tariffs, stating, "We'll be announcing it very soon, and it'll be 25 percent, generally speaking." European car manufacturers, particularly in Germany, are expected to be hit hardest.

In response, the European Commission vowed to retaliate "firmly and immediately."

Trump has previously imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, linking them to immigration issues and fentanyl smuggling.

US-EU Diplomatic Rift Widens
Tensions between Washington and Brussels have worsened beyond trade, particularly on Ukraine policy. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas was set to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, but the meeting was abruptly canceled, with the EU citing "scheduling issues."

Meanwhile, Trump held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and was set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.

Trump’s policy on Ukraine has further strained relations. On Monday, the US joined Russia in supporting a UN resolution calling for an end to the war but without demanding Ukraine’s territorial integrity—a stance opposed by nearly all European allies.

Trump reiterated his position on Wednesday, insisting it was Europe’s responsibility, not America's, to secure Ukraine. His remarks coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s planned visit to Washington, where he is expected to sign an agreement granting the US control over significant portions of Ukraine’s mineral wealth.

The outcome of Germany's election on Sunday could also shift the balance of transatlantic relations. Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz has long supported the US alliance but has cautioned against relying too heavily on Washington. He urged Europe to "achieve independence" in defense, a sentiment echoed by Rubio, who told Fox News that NATO remained intact but that Europe must "do more" for its own security.

With Trump's renewed push for tariffs and his shifting stance on European security, the US-EU relationship appears poised for further turbulence.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.