Trump Delays 50% Tariffs On EU After Its Leader Blinks

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he is pushing back the deadline to raise tariffs on imports from the European Union after a conversation with its leader, who says more time is needed to hash out a “good deal.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared that the deadline of June 1 to raise the tariff rate from 10% to 50% — which he floated on Friday — would be delayed until July 9. The president said he decided to delay the tariffs after receiving a call from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“I received a call today from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, requesting an extension on the June 1st deadline on the 50% Tariff with respect to Trade and the European Union,” Trump said. “I agreed to the extension — July 9, 2025 — It was my privilege to do so. The Commission President said that talks will begin rapidly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Von der Leyen said she had a “good call” with Trump in a post on X.

“The EU and US share the world’s most consequential and close trade relationship,” von der Leyen said. “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively. To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.”

Just before Memorial Day weekend began, Trump declared he would impose a 50% tariff on products from the European Union, apparently moving up the deadline of the 90-day pause of his “Liberation Day” tariffs for the European bloc by a little more than a month.

“The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with,” Trump said at the time. “Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against Americans Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable. Our discussions with them are going nowhere!”

“Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025,” he added. “There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”

Trump told reporters in Morristown, New Jersey, on Sunday that von der Leyen “wants to get down to serious negotiation.”

Earlier this month, the United States and China agreed to lower steep tariffs above 100% imposed on each other’s goods as they continue trade discussions. Trump administration officials have also unveiled a trade deal framework with the United Kingdom and teased more deals in the making with other nations dealing with “Liberation Day” tariffs, including many facing the prospect of higher rates above the 10% baseline once the 90-day pause expires.

American Citizen Arrested, Charged In Plot To Firebomb U.S. Embassy In Israel

On Sunday, FBI agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City arrested a 28-year-old man charged with “attempting to destroy, by means of fire or explosive” a United States Embassy office in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to federal authorities.

Joseph Neumayer, who is a dual citizen of both the United States and Germany, was initially arrested in Israel and deported to the United States. He then received a detention order from U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo of the Eastern District of New York.

According to the press release posted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April and his first documented interaction with Israeli authorities came on May 19, when he allegedly spat on an Embassy guard.

“As alleged in the complaint, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April 2025. On May 19, Neumeyer, 28, arrived outside of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv carrying a dark-colored backpack. Without provocation Neumeyer spit on an Embassy guard as he walked past. Neumeyer managed to break free as the guard attempted to detain him, leaving behind his backpack,” the DOJ said.

“A search of Neumeyer’s backpack revealed three rudimentary improvised incendiary devices commonly known as Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement tracked Neumeyer to his hotel, where he was arrested,” the DOJ added. “Neumeyer’s social media revealed that earlier in the day on May 19, he posted, ‘join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f*** the west.'”

DOJ continued: “Law enforcement authorities confirmed the presence of flammable fluid in the devices. Other social media posts from an account believed to be used by Neumeyer revealed his threats to assassinate President Trump. On May 25, Israeli authorities returned Neumeyer to the United States.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement: “This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life. The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”

United States Citizen Arrested for Attempted Firebombing of U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, Israel

🔗: https://t.co/Gwc67wrtj4 pic.twitter.com/K0nwFHFks2

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) May 25, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in on the case, saying, “Joining our partners, I can confirm that today FBI agents arrested Joseph Neumayer, a dual U.S. and German citizen, on allegations of planning to firebomb the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel — as well as threats made against President Trump’s life on social media. Neumayer was arrested earlier this week in Israel — when Embassy officials discovered a backpack carrying multiple explosive devices and a social media account allegedly linked to Neumayer detailing intent to attack the Embassy and threatening President Trump. Israel returned him to the U.S. as of this morning, where our special agents arrested him at John F. Kennedy airport. He will now face justice.”

Joining our partners, I can confirm that today FBI agents arrested Joseph Neumayer, a dual U.S. and German citizen, on allegations of planning to firebomb the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel — as well as threats made against President Trump’s life on social media.…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 25, 2025

“As alleged, Neumeyer, armed with potentially lethal devices, sought to cause chaos and destruction at the U.S.Embassy in Tel Aviv. His arrest and prosecution clearly show that my Office and the Department of Justice will not tolerate violence in our homeland or violence targeting U.S. interests abroad,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York.

According to the DOJ release: “If convicted, Neumeyer faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine in the amount of $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.”

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