Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a decisive economic move, announcing a 25% tariff on European Union imports during his first Cabinet meeting.
Trump accused the EU of taking advantage of the United States in trade relations, reviving long-standing grievances over market access and trade deficits.
“The European Union was designed to rip us off,” Trump declared at the White House, repeating his past claims that Europe has unfairly restricted U.S. exports, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors, while benefiting from an open American market.
The U.S. president cited a $300 billion trade deficit with the EU as justification for the tariffs, dismissing potential retaliatory measures from European nations. “If they hit back, it won’t work. They need us more than we need them,” he said.
A European Commission spokesperson swiftly condemned the proposed tariffs, calling them an “unjustified attack on fair trade” and warning of immediate countermeasures.
The EU has historically responded to such threats with tariffs on American goods, including bourbon, motorcycles, and agricultural products.
Trump Pressures Ukraine on NATO Bid
Trump also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv should abandon its NATO aspirations. He claimed that Ukraine’s pursuit of membership in the military alliance was a key factor in Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“We need to be realistic about what caused this conflict,” Trump said. “NATO expansion is a red line for Russia, and we all know it.”
While he stopped short of detailing any direct negotiations with Moscow, Trump hinted that his administration had secured an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s strategic mineral resources in exchange for continued support.
He framed the deal as a way for Ukraine to “pay back” Washington for billions of dollars in aid since the war began in 2022.
Vice President JD Vance dismissed suggestions that Trump was making concessions to Russia. “The idea that we are weak on Russia is ridiculous. The president is acting as a diplomat-in-chief, looking for real solutions,” Vance asserted.
Musk Takes the Stage in Government Role
Adding an unconventional twist to the Cabinet meeting, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk made an appearance in his new role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Wearing an “IT Support” shirt and a black “Make America Great Again” hat, Musk spoke about his efforts to rein in government spending.
“We are on track for national bankruptcy if we don’t act fast,” Musk warned. While defending his cost-cutting measures, he admitted to errors, including the accidental defunding of USAID’s Ebola prevention programs. However, he assured that funding had been restored before any disruption in services occurred.
Musk also defended his controversial “pulse check” emails, which require federal employees to justify their work weekly or risk termination. “It’s not a high bar. If you’re doing real work, this won’t be a problem,” he said, emphasizing the need for government efficiency.
The Cabinet meeting set the tone for Trump’s second term, signaling a confrontational approach to trade, diplomacy, and domestic policy.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
