Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday criticized the European Union (EU) for its trade policies, describing them as more aggressive and brutal than those of China. In a joint press conference with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, President Trump conveyed concerns raised by American drug companies about their harsh treatment at the hands of the EU.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Trump stated that the EU was actively targeting major American companies such as Apple, Google, and Meta through legal actions. He claimed that European judges were being incentivized with rewards ranging from USD 15 billion to USD 20 billion, which were then used to fund EU operations.
President Trump remarked, "They were the toughest of all. They were nasty. And I see that. I see that with trade, too. European Union is in many ways, nastier than China, OK?" He expressed confidence that ongoing negotiations would lead to significant concessions from the EU, asserting that the US holds leverage in these discussions.
The President highlighted the trade imbalance, pointing out that the EU exports 13 million cars to the US while the US sells none in return. He also noted a similar disparity in agricultural products and emphasized the need for the EU to pay more for healthcare, suggesting that the US would pay less as a result of these negotiations.
Further, President Trump reiterated America's role in supporting countries not only in Europe but globally. He expressed optimism that healthcare companies would maintain profitability following the anticipated changes from an executive order.
President Trump concluded by reiterating his stance that the US had been treated unfairly in trade dealings and that the current negotiations would rectify these imbalances.