Trump gives Europe a July 4 deadline to bring tariffs to zero

President Donald Trump on Thursday touted a productive call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in which said he set a deadline of July 4 for the EU to set its tariffs to zero or face a retaliatory hike.

"I had a great call with The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen," he posted on Truth Social. "We discussed many topics, including that we are completely united that Iran can never have a Nuclear Weapon. We agreed that a regime that kills its own people cannot control a bomb that can kill millions."

"I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfill their side of the Historic Trade Deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest Trade Deal, ever!" he added. "A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO! I agreed to give her until our Country’s 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels."

Trump, in July of last year, struck a deal with von der Leyen to leave a baseline 15% tariff on European goods. The president has, in recent weeks, however, expressed frustration with the EU over its slow-walking of the agreement.

Last week, he announced hikes on European cars and trucks.

"I am pleased to announce that, based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States," he posted on Truth Social. "The Tariff will be increased to 25%. It is fully understood and agreed that, if they produce Cars and Trucks in U.S.A. Plants, there will be NO TARIFF."

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.