The Irish Independent's View: EU must abandon soft diplomacy in face of Donald Trump's shock tactics
So, as hopes of a tariffs trade deal between Washington and Brussels firm up, it was not too remarkable to hear the EU has readied a 'trade retaliation' range of options against Mr Trump.
These may be triggered at any moment, at the first sign of any new shenanigans. In the event of things going sideways, the countermeasures can be set off without protracted wrangling among member states.
The move allows for tariffs of up to 30pc on €93bn worth of US imports to the EU to take effect on August 7.
Sources within the bloc suggest there can be no more Mr Nice Guy.
'Our first, second and third priorities are to get to a negotiated outcome, but we will not hesitate to use all tools available to us in case a deal is blocked or not upheld,' one diplomat said.
If reports are correct, a deal that would levy 15pc 'reciprocal' tariffs on most EU exports to the US is close to being signed.
Should there be a breakdown, however, and Mr Trump follows through on his threat to raise tariffs to 30pc from August 1, the bloc is now primed to strike back.
There is some speculation that there may be good news for Ireland, with talk that the deal would waive tariffs on some products, including aircraft, spirits and medical devices. But pharmaceuticals could still be hit.
Former UK prime minister Benjamin Disraeli once said that 'it destroys one's nerves to be amiable every day to the same human being'.
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But to date, Donald Trump hasn't taxed himself unduly by being overly nice to his allies.
And given his penchant for routinely changing his mind, it is as well to prepare for the worst while working for the best. With this in mind, ministers Paschal Donohoe and Jack Chambers have said they would revise their plans to spend an additional €9.4bn on Budget day, should Mr Trump drop the hammer.
Whatever happens, it is obvious transatlantic relations are transformed.
It was no accident that European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was in China when she announced: 'All instruments remain on the table until we have a satisfactory result,' referring to the US standoff.
She also made plain that the EU's relationship with China stands on its own merits, and is independent of the actions or the issues it has with others.
Mr Trump has sought to reshape America's global role, weaken globalisation and pile the pressure on allies, chiefly Europe.
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