Donald Trump did not leave unanswered the European Union's moves regarding tariffs and the trade deficit.
The US president is escalating the conflict by using US energy as a "weapon" in the trade war. At a press conference at the White House, Trump warned the EU that it should buy its energy from the US, criticizing the EU's trade policies and its stance on American products.
The European Commission has proposed retaliatory tariffs in response to tariffs imposed by the US under President Trump. The tariffs target a range of US products and are expected to take effect on May 16 and December 1, 2025, with goods affected including diamonds, dental floss, sausages, nuts and soybeans.
The European Commission has announced that the tariffs will have a smaller impact than initially predicted and that the EU's strategy to address the tariffs is based on three main pillars: responding to US tariffs, strengthening the EU's single market by removing barriers, and diversifying trade relations, focusing on other regions of the world besides the US, such as Mercosur and India.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was open to negotiations with the US but was prepared to take countermeasures to protect its interests. She offered zero tariffs on industrial goods and announced the creation of a task force to monitor imports.
"The EU is making fun of us on trade"
Trump has called the EU a “bad” trading partner and accused European countries of not buying enough American products. “The European Union is ripping us off on trade,” he said, adding that the EU was “created to hurt the United States.” According to the American president, EU countries have formed a monopoly with the aim of creating a single force against the United States and exploiting the United States economically.
He also referred to NATO, stressing that European countries exploit the US not only commercially, but also strategically, arguing that the US pays a disproportionate share of NATO security. His frustration is evident as he argued that, despite the fact that the US bears a large cost for Europe's defense, the EU continues to avoid buying American products.
Energy as a strategic "weapon"
One of the most important aspects of Trump's statements was the focus on energy. The US president suggested that European countries should buy their energy from the US, as they "need it". As he explained, in this way, the US could reduce its trade deficit with the EU by 350 billion dollars in one week. Energy, according to Trump, is an area in which the US has an advantage and through this strategy pressure can be exerted for a fairer trade agreement.
Tariffs and trade policy
Although the EU appears to be preparing to impose tariffs on American products, Trump reiterated that he is not considering suspending the tariffs he announced last week. Instead, he argued that the US has many countries interested in negotiating deals and that they will be “fair” and “reciprocal.” At the same time, he stressed that in many cases, the tariffs imposed will be significant and will aim to secure more favorable terms for America.
Trump did not rule out the possibility of negotiations to find a solution, acknowledging that there are other issues beyond tariffs that need to be discussed. However, his position is clear: trade relations with the EU must be fair and serve US interests.
A commercial "revolution"
Donald Trump's statements reflect the "America First" philosophy that has characterized his administration, a philosophy that seeks to renegotiate or overturn existing trade agreements that are considered unfair to the United States. With energy and tariffs as key tools, the Trump administration appears poised to pursue an aggressive trade policy, aimed at protecting American interests and eliminating trade disparities with the world's largest economy, the EU.
The "battle" with the EU seems set to escalate in the coming period, as the European Union continues to react and think of new strategies, while Washington seems determined to secure its trade positions through every available means.
Trump praises Erdogan in presence of Netanyahu
Donald Trump stressed that he is ready to help Israel with any problem that arises with Turkey. The statement was made during a meeting between the US president and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, while he referred to his good relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Specifically, Trump said that he has a very good relationship with Erdogan and likes him personally, adding that they have never had a problem. He even noted that if Israel faces problems with Turkey, he is available to help, provided the request is "reasonable."
This comment comes at a time of tension and uncertainty in the region, as Turkey-Israel relations are volatile, while Turkey plays a pivotal role in developments in Syria and the Middle East in general. Trump, acknowledging Erdogan's influence, characteristically said that the Turkish president is a "tough guy" and "very smart", demonstrating his strategic ability.
Beyond diplomatic relations, Trump did not fail to express his appreciation for Erdogan's actions in Syria, emphasizing that the Turkish president managed to "take control of Syria," something that, according to the American president, no one else had managed in the last 2.000 years.
Trump's statement came as a continuation of his numerous international political stances, where he has repeatedly pointed out that his personal relationships with other leaders, such as Erdogan and Kim Jong Un, can facilitate the resolution of problems and conflicts. However, his statements are not always liked by all political and journalistic camps, especially considering the concerns raised by Turkey's policies in the Middle East and Erdogan's strategy.
At the same time, US-Europe and US-Turkey relations are extremely complex, and Trump's comments are sure to provoke reactions. The US president appeared to seek to maintain good relations with Turkey, which could prove valuable for US foreign policy in the region.
The reaction of Israel, Turkey, and other international actors will prove decisive for the course of relations between these three countries, as well as for the broader situation in the Middle East.
Direct US-Iran talks on nuclear program
Donald Trump announced that the United States is engaged in direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program, hours after Tehran rejected any attempt at direct dialogue with Washington, raising questions about the true nature of these talks and their potential implications.
Trump said that talks that have already begun will continue on Saturday and will lead to a “very big meeting.” Although the exact details of the meeting remain unclear, the US president appeared optimistic, emphasizing that reaching an agreement would be the most desirable solution for all parties involved.
Trump's announcement of "high-level indirect talks" between the United States and Iran, to be held in the Sultanate of Oman on Saturday, highlights the seriousness of the situation. The meeting appears to be a unique opportunity to make progress, although the situation remains extremely complex. Iranian Foreign Minister Sayyed Abbas Araghchi commented on Twitter that "the ball is in America's court," underlining Washington's responsibility for the future of the talks.
Tehran's current policy is clear: Iran has repeatedly rejected the prospect of direct dialogue with Washington, as it considers the US responsible for the failure of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) after Trump's decision to withdraw from it in 2018. This new initiative, however, shows that Iran is ready to reconsider its stance, perhaps due to external pressure or a strategic change in its own policy.
Source: iefimerida.gr
