President Donald Trump hailed his threatened 50% tariff on the European Union as a “success” Tuesday after he said the bloc worked to fast-track negotiations.
The president announced a blanket 50% tariff on all EU goods last week, complaining that talks had gone “nowhere,” in contrast to a deal with the United Kingdom and a temporary deal with China. In a Sunday phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she promised to speed up talks in exchange for a 90-day delay in new tariffs. In a Tuesday Truth Social post, Trump said his 50% tariff imposition was all part of the plan.
“I was extremely satisfied with the 50% Tariff allotment on the European Union, especially since they were ‘slow walking (to put it mildly!), our negotiations with them,” he said. “Remember, I am empowered to ‘SET A DEAL’ for Trade into the United States if we are unable to make a deal, or are treated unfairly.”
“I have just been informed that the E.U. has called to quickly establish meeting dates,” Trump added. “This is a positive event, and I hope that they will, FINALLY, like my same demand to China, open up the European Nations for Trade with the United States of America. They will BOTH be very happy, and successful, if they do!!!”
Trump’s comments about the EU over the past couple of days are a notable departure from his previous hostility toward the bloc. Last week, he said the organization was “very difficult to deal with” because of “ridiculous corporate penalties” and “unfair and unjustified lawsuits against [American] Companies.”
His Truth Social post on Sunday, after his call with von der Leyen, was one of his most positive, saying it was his “privilege” to grant an extension for tariff deadlines.
TRUMP DELAYS 50% TARIFF ON EU AFTER CALL WITH VON DER LEYEN
The call between Trump and von der Leyen on Sunday added “a new impetus” to negotiations between the two sides, European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho said Monday.
“And we will take it from there,” she said. “It’s positive to see that there’s engagement also on the level of the presidents and from our side, we always said that we were ready to make a deal.”