ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of the European Union, claiming it was "established to mess with the United States" and warning that the bloc will soon face 25% tariffs.
"The European Union will not be able to impose tariffs on us," he declared, adding that his administration will soon announce the new trade measures. He also confirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will take effect on April 2.
Trump aimed at China and Canada over the fentanyl crisis, blaming both countries for the influx of the deadly drug, which he said has cost many American lives.
He also accused China of "occupying" the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal under President Joe Biden and demanded that Afghanistan return military equipment left behind.
Addressing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Trump reiterated his stance that a ceasefire in Gaza is solely Israel’s decision.
Regarding Ukraine, he confirmed that Volodymyr Zelensky would sign the rare minerals agreement and stated that his priority is to halt the fighting before any further financial aid is considered.
"We spent $350 billion to help Ukraine, but Europe will handle security guarantees, not us," he added, emphasizing that Ukraine should abandon its hopes of joining NATO.
Trump also signaled a willingness to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him "a very intelligent person" and suggesting that he may need to make "some concessions" to Moscow.
However, he insisted that he was the one who first proposed a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, claiming Putin had no intention of settling it on his own.
Despite his tough stance on China, Trump stated that he seeks good relations with Beijing and wants more Chinese investment in the U.S.
