Trump Slams EU on Trade as Senate Dem Denounces Qatari Jet Offer/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump escalated trade tensions with Europe, calling the EU “nastier” than China while promoting his new drug pricing order. He also hinted at accepting a luxury jet from Qatar, drawing sharp Democratic criticism over ethics and influence. Trump begins a high-stakes Middle East trip focused on Israel, Iran, and regional trade.
Trump Blasts EU Trade Policies, Pushes Pharma Reform Ahead of Middle East Tour – Quick Looks
- Trump calls EU “nastier than China” on trade during White House remarks.
- Touts executive order imposing 30-day deadline for drug price reductions.
- “Most favored nation” clause ties U.S. drug prices to lowest global rates.
- Democrats condemn Trump for reportedly accepting $400M Qatari jet.
- Trump credits U.S. diplomacy for India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement.
- Middle East tour begins: Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE.
- Trump plans call with Xi Jinping as China talks resume post-tariff pause.
- DOJ and FTC tasked with probing global drug pricing practices.
Trump Slams EU on Trade as Senate Dem Denounces Qatari Jet Offer
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fresh from securing a temporary tariff pause with China, President Donald Trump launched new offensives Monday—this time targeting the European Union and the pharmaceutical industry—while also facing political fire over ethics concerns tied to a reported Qatari gift.
At a White House press conference, Trump referred to the European Union as “nastier” than China on trade, citing longstanding automotive imbalances and restrictive policies that he said undercut American industry.
“The EU is going to come down a lot,” Trump said. “We have all the cards—especially when it comes to the cars they ship over here.”
The remarks came hours before Trump was set to embark on a weeklong trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where trade, energy, and security cooperation are top agenda items. His visit follows an agreement with China to temporarily reduce some tariffs for 90 days to facilitate negotiations.
Drug Pricing Crackdown
Trump used the same platform to announce a sweeping executive order on prescription drug pricing, calling it “one of the most consequential in American history.” The order gives drugmakers 30 days to negotiate lower prices with U.S. health officials. If no agreement is reached, prices will be pegged to the lowest levels paid by other countries under the so-called “most favored nation” policy.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will lead the talks. “We’re done subsidizing other nations’ healthcare,” Trump declared. “Starting today, Americans will pay less—Europeans will pay more.”
The pharmaceutical industry pushed back hard, warning that price controls would reduce innovation and increase U.S. dependence on foreign-made medicines. PhRMA CEO Stephen J. Ubl called the proposal a “bad deal for American patients.”
Qatari Jet Controversy
A bombshell report added heat to Trump’s day: multiple outlets revealed Qatar is preparing to gift a luxury Boeing 747-8—valued at $400 million—to Trump. The plane would serve as Air Force One during his term and later transfer to a foundation for personal use.
Four Senate Democrats—Cory Booker, Chris Coons, Chris Murphy, and Brian Schatz—issued a statement calling the move “a clear conflict of interest” and a violation of laws prohibiting acceptance of foreign gifts without congressional approval.
“No one—not even the president—is above the law,” the senators warned.
Trump defended the offer, calling it “a smart financial decision” for the country.
Global Flashpoints and Trade Diplomacy
Trump also announced:
- A likely call with Xi Jinping later this week to continue U.S.-China tariff negotiations.
- Praise for India and Pakistan’s ceasefire, citing U.S.-led trade incentives as key to easing tensions.
- A new DOJ and FTC review of how foreign governments “extort” pharmaceutical companies on drug pricing.
Additionally, Trump said he spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who pledged to invest further in U.S. manufacturing.
Immigration Crackdown Tensions
White House adviser Stephen Miller said the administration is reviewing ways to expand deportation powers, including a legally controversial idea to suspend habeas corpus—the constitutional right to challenge unlawful detention.
Miller claimed the Constitution allows such a move “in times of invasion,” referencing unauthorized border crossings.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security opened an investigation into a California assistance program for legal immigrants, alleging misuse of state funds.
