US accused europe of trade 'leeching', Trump echoes concerns
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth accused Europe of "leeching" off US efforts during a conversation with other officials. Donald Trump concurred with him. "The European Union's been absolutely terrible to us on trade," he remarked.
In a conversation on Signal, which was leaked to the media, Vice President J.D. Vance expressed that he "hates saving Europe." This statement was in reference to the strike on Houthi rebels who were attacking commercial ships passing through the Suez Canal. These ships were primarily destined for Europe.
"I fully share your loathing of European free-loading," replied Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
Trump: The European Union has been terrible to us
During a meeting with US ambassador candidates, Trump was asked if he agreed with Hegseth's assessment of Europe.
– You really want me to answer? – Trump asked. – Yeah I think they've been freeloading. The European Union's been absolutely terrible to us on trade. And as you know NATO, I got them to pay hundreds of billions of dollars, they were way behind, – he stated.
He also criticised his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the United States investing more in the Ukraine conflict than Europe, though this claim is disputed. Trump again mentioned the supposed $350 (€325) billion, although both Ukrainian authorities and American experts indicate that such an amount did not reach Kyiv in any form.
– I don't blame NATO for this, I don't blame Europe for this, I blame Biden for the fact that he didn't make them equalise, and to this day I said to them 'you got to catch up you got to equalise' – Trump said.
Will they lift the sanctions on Russia? Trump: We're looking into it
Trump was also queried about Russian conditions regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea. The Kremlin wants, among other things, sanctions lifted.
Trump stated that all the conditions—around five or six in total—are currently under consideration and being thoroughly reviewed
