United States President Donald Trump sharply criticized the European Union on Monday, accusing it of being “nastier than China” in trade and drug pricing policies. Speaking from the Oval Office moments before signing a new executive order aimed at reducing pharmaceutical costs, Trump condemned the EU’s negotiating tactics and its treatment of American companies.

“They are suing all our companies... They have influenced judges,” Trump declared. He argued that the US has long subsidized European healthcare systems and tolerated unfair trade practices, especially in the automotive and agricultural sectors. Trump emphasized that these imbalances have allowed Europe to benefit at America’s expense.

Highlighting the urgency of reform, Trump accused the EU of being “brutal on drug prices” and labeled it “the most difficult” partner in international trade negotiations. He underscored the need for corrective action, positioning his new executive order as a decisive step toward rectifying these disparities.

The executive order, signed during the event, aims to lower prescription drug prices in the United States by as much as 90%. According to Trump, this measure is designed to protect American consumers from inflated costs driven by foreign subsidies and regulatory manipulation.

Trump’s remarks reflect his administration’s broader efforts to challenge international trade dynamics perceived as unfair to the United States. By targeting pharmaceutical pricing and foreign healthcare subsidies, the president seeks to align US policies with domestic economic interests and reduce the financial burden on American patients.

The order also signals a continuation of Trump’s aggressive stance on trade and economic nationalism, as he confronts both traditional adversaries and longstanding allies over policies he deems exploitative. The president’s comments on the EU indicate that transatlantic trade tensions remain a focal point in his administration’s economic strategy.

As the executive order takes effect, its impact on pharmaceutical pricing and broader US-EU trade relations will be closely monitored, marking a significant development in Trump’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.