Trump Escalates Trade Tensions, Targets EU and Smartphone Giants

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after signing executive orders regarding nuclear energy in the Oval Office of the White House,

President Donald Trump reignited his global trade war on Friday, announcing steep new tariffs on the European Union and smartphone manufacturers in a move that underscores growing White House frustration over stalled negotiations.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the U.S. will impose 50% tariffs on EU imports and an additional 25% tariff on phone manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung. The action follows slow progress in trade talks and resistance from both foreign governments and corporations.


“I’m not looking for a deal,” Trump declared. “We’ve set the deal — it’s at 50 percent.”

The president specifically cited Apple for not relocating more of its iPhone manufacturing to the U.S., despite CEO Tim Cook's recent commitments to invest $500 billion domestically.

These abrupt tariff announcements increase pressure on the administration to secure multiple trade agreements before a self-imposed July deadline. While a preliminary deal was reached with the U.K. earlier this month, broader negotiations—particularly with the EU—have stalled.


“Trump is frustrated that the Europeans aren’t rushing to the negotiating table,” said Stephen Moore, an outside economic adviser to the president.

Markets React, EU Pushes Back

Global markets fell sharply following Trump’s comments and Truth Social posts accusing the EU of being “very difficult to deal with.” The EU responded with a warning: any deal must be based on mutual respect, not threats.


“We stand ready to defend our interests,” said EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic, calling the transatlantic trade relationship “unmatched” in scope.

Last year, the U.S. imported $576 billion in goods from the EU and exported $367 billion, creating a trade deficit of $208 billion—a key driver of Trump’s tariff campaign.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the EU’s approach, claiming many member states are unaware of negotiation details being handled by Brussels.

Fresh Fronts and Domestic Risks

The decision to extend tariffs to other smartphone makers adds a new layer to the ongoing trade war. While Apple initially drew Trump’s ire for shifting production to India, he later broadened the target to include Samsung and other manufacturers.

Despite Cook's efforts to maintain a close relationship with the White House, Trump expressed frustration during a recent trip to the Middle East:


“Tim, you’re my friend... but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.”

Financial instability caused by the escalating trade war is raising concerns at home. A recent Marquette University Law School poll found only 37% of Americans support Trump’s tariff policies.

The administration has highlighted recent progress in talks with other countries and is hopeful that more deals will follow. But officials have acknowledged that significant new tariffs could return after July 9, when Trump’s tariff pause expires.


“We have 150 countries that want to make a deal,” Trump said recently. “But you’re not able to see that many countries.”