Trump Sets July 4 Deadline for EU — Threatens 'Much Higher' Tariffs if Trade Deal Unratified

US President Donald Trump set a July 4 Independence Day deadline for the European Union to ratify the trade deal agreed at his Scotland golf resort in summer 2025, threatening 'much higher' tariffs if the bloc fails to comply. Trump had already unilaterally raised EU automotive tariffs to 25% (from the agreed 15%) citing EU non-compliance with deal terms. EU Trade Commissioner held talks with US counterparts on May 4, but EP negotiator Bernd Lange stated on May 7 that there was 'some way to go' before a final agreement was achievable. European Commission President von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU's 'full commitment' to implementation while calling on Washington to respect agreed timelines. The ultimatum, timed to a symbolic American holiday, dramatically escalated transatlantic tensions and raised fears of a wider EU-US trade war ahead of the summer.