Trump struck a stern tone in front of the cameras, even at one point saying “I’m actually not in a good mood,” before his meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as the two leaders work to secure a trade deal before Trump’s Aug. 1 deadline.
“Ursula has been, really done a terrific job for them, not for us, but she’s done a great job, and she’s highly respected by us also, and we look forward to talking to see if we can do something,” Trump said as von der Leyen sat next to him.
“I think Ursula would say, probably 50/50, of making a deal. I’d like to make a deal. I think it’s good for both, but that’s a 50/50,” he said when asked what the chances are he gets a deal done on Sunday.
However, if the European leaders were looking for a better deal, it doesn’t appear that will happen as Trump said he wouldn’t have a lower tariff rate than 15% for the EU.
Trump said he remains committed to his Aug. 1 deadline, when he could impose a 30% tariff on the EU, rebuffing any consequences that may come from the European side.
“I think I look forward to this meeting. You know, we’ve had a hard time with trade with Europe, very hard time, and I’d like to see it resolved. But if it isn’t, we’ll, you know, have tariffs. They’ll do what they have to do, but we have a good chance of getting it resolved,” Trump said.
“We have three or four second points I’d rather not get in, we’ll be discussing them, but I think the main sticking point is fairness,” he added.
Von Der Leyen called Trump a “tough negotiator” before Trump jumped in and called himself “fair,” before she added “And fair.”
-ABC News’ Lalee Ibsaa
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