BRUSSELS, Belgium – The European Union delivered a firm response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations of undermining the United States and warned against imposing wholesale tariffs on EU products. The escalating dispute deepens the trans-Atlantic rift widened by Trump’s recent comments hinting at dropping security guarantees for European allies. The EU’s pushback came after Trump alleged that the EU was created to harm the U.S. and vowed to put a stop to it during his presidency.

In a counteroffensive, Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, holding the EU’s rotating presidency, refuted Trump’s claims by emphasizing the EU’s founding principles of peace, respect among nations, free and fair trade, and strengthening transatlantic friendship. The EU asserted it would retaliate with robust countermeasures, targeting iconic U.S. industries like bourbon, jeans, and motorcycles in response to the threat of tariffs.

Trump’s remarks on the perceived power dynamic were met with skepticism by the EU, with Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill highlighting the benefits of the EU as the world’s largest free market. The EU emphasized the trade volumes between the two sides, estimating it at $1.5 trillion, with a trade surplus in goods for the EU partly offset by the U.S. surplus in service trade. Despite concerns over trade deficits, the EU stressed the importance of cooperation to avoid a damaging trade war.

Gill emphasized the significance of preserving trade opportunities for both sides by working together, promoting dialogue, openness, and reciprocity. As tensions escalate, both the EU and the U.S. face the challenge of navigating trade relations while avoiding detrimental consequences for businesses and consumers. The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue a cooperative approach, urging adherence to established rules for mutual benefit.