Trump: "Europe Treats US Badly... Will Start Trade Negotiations"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. President Donald Trump pointed to Europe as the next trade negotiation partner, saying, "Europe has treated us very badly."

On the 10th (local time), President Trump made these remarks during a business meeting at the White House attended by governors from across the country, criticizing many countries and allies for taking advantage of the United States. He said he intends to have very serious talks with Europe, noting, "There has been a huge deficit with Europe over the past 10 to 12 years, so they have to talk. They have unbelievable barriers."

President Trump said that while negotiating trade deals with China, Japan, and Korea, he did not negotiate with Europe, adding, "I did not want to negotiate with the whole world at once." He continued, "We will start that (negotiation with Europe)," and said, "They know that."

President Trump criticized Europe for treating the U.S. badly, targeting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), saying, "Honestly, NATO treats the U.S. badly." He mentioned that he demanded and "earned an additional $130 billion from NATO," referring to member countries increasing their defense spending. He added, "My biggest fan worldwide is NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg," stating that at their first meeting, he increased the amount by $130 billion, and at the second meeting, collected $400 billion.

The U.S. has been in conflict with European countries over issues such as the digital tax imposed on large IT companies like Google and the import of European cars.