Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the European Union, claiming the bloc’s entire reason for existing was “to screw the United States” and threatening to impose 25% tariffs on European goods.

The US President made the remarks during his first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where he revealed that the latest tariff decision was imminent.

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, he told reporters: “We have made a decision, and we’ll be announcing it very soon. It’ll be 25%.”

Details were scarce, but the billionaire hinted that the tariffs would primarily target the automotive sector and other goods.

He added: “Look, let’s be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States.

“That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it. But now I’m president.”

This trade confrontation is part of Mr Trump’s broader strategy, which has also previously threatened to levy similar tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

The US leader is expected to slap 25% tariffs on those countries next week, which could stoke tensions between the US and its key trading partners. The UK may also be in the firing line, though no details have yet been confirmed.

The EU, the US’s third-largest trading partner, has made it clear that it will not accept such measures without a fight.

A European Commission spokesman said: “The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies.

“The EU will always protect European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified tariffs.”

In addition to the EU, Mr Trump has faced resistance from various quarters in the US.

Economists and conservative publications like the Wall Street Journal have warned that imposing tariffs on major trading partners could hurt the US economy. Some predict that the US manufacturing sector would not benefit, as Trump suggests.

Mr Trump has been vociferous in defending his trade policies, especially regarding foreign-made cars, drugs, and semiconductor chips, all of which he plans to target with tariffs in the coming weeks.

On Wednesday, he also took to his Truth Social platform to dismiss a Wall Street Journal editorial that argued his tariff plans would backfire. In his post, Mr Trump stated that the tariffs would “drive massive amounts of auto manufacturing to Michigan”, a state he claims to have “easily won” in the presidential election.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet with Donald Trump on Thursday with European leaders jittery over Mr Trump’s decision to greenlight direct negotiations with Russia in a bid to end the Ukraine war.

Western allies and Ukraine itself were not included in the talks in Saudi Arabia last week, prompting fears that the deal will involve unacceptable concessions to Moscow.