Trump criticizes European Union over trade, vows reciprocal tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump has blasted the European Union for unfair trade practices, pledging to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on European goods. His remarks come amid growing tensions following the enforcement of new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized the European Union during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval Office, accusing the EU of unfair trade practices and mistreating America for years.

Trump declared plans to impose "reciprocal tariffs," meaning any tariffs the EU imposes on the U.S. will be matched by similar charges on European goods. “And as you know, we're going to be doing reciprocal tariffs. So whatever they charge us with, we're charging them. Nobody can complain about that. Whatever it is, it doesn’t even matter what it is. If they charge us, if they charge us 25 or 20%, or 10%, or 2%, or 200%, then that's what we're charging them,” Trump said.

The remarks followed Trump’s decision to enforce tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, a move that prompted retaliation from the EU.

Trump emphasized his goal to rebuild U.S. manufacturing, stating, “I’ll always have flexibility, but there will be very little flexibility once we start. April 2nd is going to be a very big day for the United States of America. The United States of America is going to take back a lot of what was stolen from it by other countries and by, frankly, incompetent U.S. leadership.”

Trump also blamed previous U.S. administrations for allowing Ireland to attract American pharmaceutical companies through favorable tax policies.

Prime Minister Martin noted Ireland’s significant investments in the U.S., including aircraft purchases from Boeing. However, Trump remained focused on leveling the trade playing field, citing the absence of American cars in Europe as another example of unfair trade practices.

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