Trump Backs Down After Von Der Leyen’s Power Play—A Masterclass in Political Retreat

When the EU’s iron-willed chief flexes, even former presidents fold. Here’s how the geopolitical chessboard just shifted.

Behind closed doors, Ursula von der Leyen’s decisive call forced Trump’s signature bravado into rare retreat—no tweets, no tariffs, just quiet concession. The art of the deal? More like the art of the tactical withdrawal.

Meanwhile, Wall Street barely blinked—because nothing fuels markets like watching egos deflate faster than a meme coin after its 15 minutes of fame.

In Brief

• Ursula von der Leyen secured a delay of the tariff surcharges after a simple phone call.
• Europe was preparing customs retaliation measures valued at over 100 billion euros against the United States.
• Trump threatened to impose 50% surcharges on all European imports starting in June.
• The trade climate remains tense despite the delay; negotiations resume in apparent calm.

Ursula von der Leyen: A Phone Call to Save the European Economy?

The idea of a, where the United States would break the chains of their trade dependency, went around the world, even on Wall Street and in the crypto industry. Trump wanted to strike hard.was supposed to mark a turning point. He threatened to. In Africa, the fear of a domino effect was palpable. In China, Beijing was preparing for a new affront and new worrying economic choices.

In Europe,. She called Trump. The result:

I had a good call with President Trump. Europe is ready to move quickly. To achieve a good agreement, we WOULD need time until July 9.

Trump confirmed: “Ursula just called me… She asked for a delay and told me she wants serious negotiations.“

Behind theseis an unexpected customs truce. A, obtained without warning. A feat for von der Leyen, given the belligerent tone Trump adopted two days earlier.

Europe Threatened to Retaliate: When the Trade War Nearly Broke Out

The European economy prepared to counter-attack. Faced with the announced surtaxes, Brussels drew up. Potential value of retaliation:American wine, cars, aircraft and pharmaceutical products were all targeted.

Ursula von der Leyen, in a solemn statement, warned:

The announced tariffs will have massive consequences. The global economy will suffer.

She mentioned, especially the most vulnerable.

Trump, for his part, repeated that “the EU was created to take advantage of the United States” and hammered that “America doesn’t want a deal, only justice“. Existing surcharges –– remained intact. A “reciprocal tariff” of 20% had been announced, then suspended.

The trade war was no longer a threat. It had become imminent. In this context,that would have shaken the economies of both blocs.

Reprieve or Lasting Peace? What Lies Ahead for the Transatlantic Economy

Today, a precarious calm reigns. The June 1 deadline has been postponed.This respite guarantees nothing. Trump has already threatened to resume tariff increases. Maros Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade, warned:

Transatlantic trade must be guided by mutual respect, not threats.

Trump, for his part, sends mixed signals. He calls Ursula’s call “very pleasant“, but criticizes “European bureaucratic slowness“. Negotiations resume. But the economy remains hanging on every presidential tweet.

Key figures to remember:

• The US-EU trade deficit was 236 billion dollars in 2024;
• Europe threatened 116 billion euros in customs retaliation;
• Existing duties include 25% on steel, aluminum, and 10% on all imports;
• A 50% surcharge on all European products was mentioned, which immediately affected the bitcoin price, then was suspended.

This reprieve creates more doubts than certainties. The European economy, squeezed between threats and diplomacy, must protect its interests without provoking an escalation. Behind the figures, a war of narratives is playing out. Washington shows its strength, Brussels buys time. To prevent this major economic relationship from falling into chaos, some in Brussels are already discussing another option: turning towards the BRICS. A strategic alternative that could well reshuffle the global cards.

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