Donald Trump calls the EU deal “the biggest of all if we make it,” but threatens tariffs on cars, steel, and pharma as immigration, green energy, and sovereignty clash with Brussels.
US President Donald Trump has ignited high-stakes drama ahead of Sunday’s crunch trade meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, saying there’s a “50-50 chance, maybe less” of sealing a deal that could avert a multi-billion-dollar trade war.
Speaking from his Turnberry resort in Scotland—where he’s hosting von der Leyen for emergency talks—Trump delivered both praise and provocation, calling the EU chief a “highly respected woman” while accusing Europe of destroying itself with wind turbines and uncontrolled immigration.
“You’re not going to have Europe anymore,” Trump warned, unless EU leaders “get their act together.”
What’s at Stake:
- 30% tariffs on EU goods are set to go into effect on August 1, targeting cars, steel, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods.
- The EU has authorized counter-tariffs worth €93 billion ($109B) if talks fail.
- A compromise deal reportedly being shaped would set a 15% flat tariff on most EU exports, with a higher 50% tariff on steel, and 15% on pharmaceuticals, violating WTO norms but still avoiding Trump’s earlier threats of 200% tariffs.
Trump’s Message to Europe:
Trump told Wall St Engine on Friday:
“We have a good 50-50 chance of an EU deal. There are 20 different sticking points.”
Pressed to name them, he replied, “Well, I don’t want to tell you what the sticking points are.”
He repeated that message to reporters before flying to Scotland:
“We’re working very diligently with Europe. I think the EU has a pretty good chance of making a deal.”
Behind the Scenes:
- Immigration and climate policy emerged as flashpoints. Trump called on the EU to stop building wind turbines, claiming they were “killing birds and ruining your beautiful valleys.”
- Von der Leyen’s team has been negotiating around the clock, with Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič expected to join her in Scotland on Sunday.
- EU spokesperson Paula Pinho confirmed the urgency:
“Leaders will now take stock and consider the scope for a balanced outcome that provides stability for businesses and consumers.”
Security and Symbolism:
Trump’s Scottish visit has triggered the largest UK security operation since Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Over 5,000 police and naval patrols are deployed at Turnberry and surrounding areas.
Trump skipped a press briefing Saturday morning in favor of golf, blaring “Uptown Girl” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” from his buggy.
What’s Next:
- The Trump–von der Leyen meeting is expected to finalize an outline agreement Sunday in Aberdeenshire.
- UK PM Keir Starmer will meet Trump on Monday, likely to expand on the limited US–UK trade framework signed in May.
- Any US–EU agreement could mirror the 15% tariff model used in the Japan deal, with further negotiations needed for compliance with WTO rules.
The Trump–EU talks are on a knife’s edge. If no deal is reached by Sunday, tariffs will hit on August 1, risking a fresh transatlantic trade war. But if a compromise is struck, Trump could notch the “biggest deal of all”—one that redefines EU–US economic ties in the age of tariffs, tech, and testosterone.
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