Laura Loomer on the Epstein Saga: ‘Trump is not implicated'
She's been called the one-woman DOGE, credited with the firings of several top administration officials. Her close allyship with President Donald Trump has given her unprecedented access to the White House and made her a prominent figure in the MAGA world, where she's known for her brazen — and often feared — demeanor.
Laura Loomer says she doesn't want to be the center of the story. But despite her protestations, she is.
Loomer, who founded her own media company and hosts her show 'Loomer Unleashed' on conservative streaming platform Rumble, is not one to shy away from controversy. She has referred to herself as a 'proud Islamophobe,' promoted conspiracy theories and made several racist comments toward politicians. Her attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and her Muslim faith on Twitter in 2018 led to her being banned from the site. Her account was reinstated once Elon Musk bought the site, where she now posts frequently for her 1.7 million followers.
Her attacks on Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the so-called Epstein files made headlines as she demanded that FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino push for Bondi's resignation. Trump is standing by Bondi.
On the campaign trail and during his first few months in office, Trump repeatedly promised to release the Epstein files. Once he went back on that promise, anger brewed on both sides of the aisle, most notably splintering the MAGA world. And Loomer, who insisted the files be released, leapt into the fray, warning the controversy could 'consume his presidency.'
Still, Loomer says her support for Trump has not wavered.
She's one of many Trump allies rushing to his defense following the release of a bombshell Wall Street Journal report, alleging the existence of a bawdy birthday letter the president wrote to Jeffrey Epstein years ago. Trump has vehemently denied writing the letter, and threatened to sue the publication. (POLITICO has not independently verified the existence of the letter.)
'The report is bullshit,' Loomer tells Women Rule.
Women Rule spoke to Loomer on Thursday before the Wall Street Journal story was published and again on Friday morning. Her interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
What are your thoughts on The Wall Street Journal report that was published last night?
So I think that Rupert Murdoch is an absolute abomination. The report is bullshit. I'm looking forward to seeing President Trump sue the Wall Street Journal and essentially suing News Corp and Rupert Murdoch, and it's just a testament to how petty and unpleasant Rupert Murdoch is as an individual. He committed to dedicating his entire media entity of News Corp to helping Ron DeSantis try to defeat President Trump, when President Trump was being attacked by the deep state and weaponized justice in the 2024, election primary for the presidential election.
[News Corp did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.]
If released, what do you expect to see in the Epstein files?
I understand that President Trump and Pam Bondi had a conversation, and they made that conversation public yesterday on social media, and I know that some members of Congress are aware of it as well, and it's been a discussion behind the scenes. I'm not sure what to expect. I mean, they said that there's videos, right? They said that there's like pornographic, like child pornography videos.
Obviously we're not going to see those videos, but it would be great if they could release the names of the adults who participated in those child porn videos, because I feel like that information should be released to the public.
Are there any particular high profile names that you expect to see in the files?
No, I think that they need to be specific about what the files are going to constitute. Like, is a file just an address book, right? And I think what the concern is is that there's a lot of high profile people, politicians, business people, who maybe they met Jeffrey Epstein at an event. Maybe they never engaged in any kind of sexual activity with underage children. Maybe they never engaged in any type of activity with Jeffrey Epstein, but their names are just in the address book.
I asked for full transparency and I think that they should be releasing more information about the crimes committed against children. But given how sensationalized this story has become, I don't think it's fair to every single person who just happens to know Jeffrey Epstein, even if they haven't been implicated in a crime, to have their entire reputation destroyed because their name is in his address book. Just because you flew on his airplane doesn't mean that you raped a kid.
So you think that Trump's concern, and the dance they're doing now in terms of releasing the files, doesn't have to do with the fact that he could possibly be implicated in this?
No, it has nothing to do with President Trump being implicated. He's obviously not implicated. President Trump is not a pedophile. President Trump is not a child sex predator. I don't speak for the president, but I could imagine that there is great concern about the blowback that a lot of innocent people who never committed a crime and never engaged in nefarious activities with minors are going to be subjected to, if they release [the files].
Because of the way that this whole thing has been so sensationalized, there's a lot of people who could potentially be branded as pedophiles and have their entire lives destroyed, and that's not fair. We live in a society where you're innocent until proven guilty, and just knowing Jeffrey Epstein shouldn't destroy somebody's life. If you engaged in improper activity with Jeffrey Epstein, then, yeah, it's another story.
Trump knew Jeffrey Epstein. He kicked him out of Mar-a-Lago, as the story goes, because he was a pervert. Remember?
So obviously President Trump is not implicated. So that being said, is every single person who has met Jeffrey Epstein or had a conversation with Jeffrey Epstein a pedophile? I mean that would mean that the human health secretary is a pedophile. I'm not saying that [Robert F.] Kennedy Jr.'s a pedophile, but Kennedy himself has admitted that he flew on the airplane twice with his wife. So, my point is that there's a lot of people who flew on a plane. They never touched kids.
President Trump has to be really careful, because that would be considered weaponized justice, releasing innocent people's names if they are not implicated in a crime just because they were in somebody's address book. Like, there's a lot of implications, given the fact that this case has been so sensationalized. And I don't hear anyone in the media talking about that. I don't know if you agree.
I'm just listening to you.
So again, I don't speak for Trump, I don't speak for the administration. I want to be really clear about that, but I have heard that some of the internal strife and discussion is about the implication of releasing innocent people's names. I don't think that they're trying to hide anything about President Trump. I think that it's disgusting what the Wall Street Journal did, personally, I think that they're trying to get sued and Trump's gonna win. He has a very good record of winning these lawsuits.
President Trump, in a Truth Social post [Wednesday], condemned members of the party for pushing for the release of the Epstein files. How do you respond to that?
I don't think it was a condemnation. I think that President Trump is just asking members of the party to focus on other things instead of allowing for the media to consume the entire news cycle with Epstein drama. I think that we can all admit that Pam Blondi — as I call her — botched the release. But at the same time, we need to be focused on President Trump's many wins and the fact that he's doing a lot of great things.
Editor's note: Bondi did not respond to a request for comment.
Have you spoken with Trump recently? Do you know where you two currently stand?
Yeah I speak with him often, but I am not on bad terms with him. I mean, there's no bad blood.
POLITICO Special Report
Mainers' Message to Trump on Susan Collins by Andrew Howard and Jessica Piper for POLITICO: 'President Donald Trump would like to see a 'better option' than Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins to represent the state. He probably can't get one.
The moderate GOP senator causes frequent headaches for the White House when it comes to securing her crucial vote, which is needed to pass key elements of Trump's agenda.'
Trump Threatens to Revoke US Citizenship of Longtime Critic Rosie O'Donnell by Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing for POLITICO: 'President Donald Trump on Saturday said he is considering revoking the citizenship of one of his longtime foes — actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell — something he has no clear legal pathway to do.
The move is an escalation of Trump's weaponization of American citizenship. While the president has enacted mass deportations for immigrants and looked to end birthright citizenship for the children of some immigrants, his threat to revoke the New York-born actor's citizenship marks a new frontier.'
The MAGA Blowup Over Pam Bondi Has Been a Long Time Coming by Kyle Cheney, Josh Gerstein and Hailey Fuchs for POLITICO: 'Pam Bondi's political crisis over the Jeffrey Epstein saga is the latest, most acute expression of a persistent problem she has with the MAGA base.
The attorney general has long tried to establish herself as one of Donald Trump's most faithful allies: She was part of his defense team during his first impeachment, she helped him challenge his 2020 election loss and she stood by his side during his New York hush money trial.
But many of Trump's very online MAGA supporters have always distrusted Bondi.'
Number of the Week
Read more here.
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Afghan Women and Girls Deported From Iran Fear 'Coming Back to a Cage' by Elian Peltier for The New York Times: 'Iran's mass deportation of more than 1.4 million Afghans this year has shattered the hopes of women and girls working and studying in Iran. Neighboring Pakistan has implemented a similar policy, putting at risk the lives of many other women who fled Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban takeover in 2021.'
The Stealth Attack on Women in Trump's Budget Bill by Casey Quinlan for The New Republic: 'Trump's megabill hits women at a time when culture-warring conservatives are more openly pushing to force more women to stay at home with their kids — and arguing that if they're going to go to school at all, they should do it for their MRS degree. The bill is the latest win for Republicans who are trying to peel away women's agency at every level by making it harder for women to have economic stability and reproductive freedom. It contains hits to reproductive care funding (though a judge has temporarily blocked this part of the law from going into effect), deep cuts to SNAP benefits and Medicaid that will affect caretakers of all ages, and measures that make it harder for kids to get free school meals.'
Democratic Women's Caucus Demands Probe of Treatment of Women in ICE Detention by Rebecca Beitsch for The Hill: 'The Democratic Women's Caucus is demanding an investigation into the treatment of women in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, accusing the Trump administration of 'medical neglect' in cases that include the loss of one woman's unborn child.
The Trump administration recently rescinded Biden-era guidance on treatment of migrants in detention, including those detailing guidelines for pregnant women.'
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on the move
Karina Lynch was promoted to the chair of DLA Piper's Government Affairs and Public Policy Practice. She was recently tapped to be an outside ethics attorney for the Trump Organization and is a Grassley and Collins alum.
Maggie Angel is joining the Illinois governor's office in D.C. as director of federal affairs. She previously was a legislative assistant for Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). (h/t POLITICO Influence)
Emily Trentacope is joining the American Cleaning Institute as vice president of sustainability. She was most recently associate national program director for EPA's Safe and Sustainable Water Resources research program. (h/t POLITICO Influence)
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Lutnick: EU has to offer Trump 'a good enough deal' to avoid 30% tariffs As President Trump prepares for a planned meeting about tariffs with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday that the European Union has to open its markets for US exports if it wants to convince Trump to reduce the 30% tariff he's threatened to put in place August 1. Reuters reports Lutnick said the EU appeared to want to make a deal: On Friday, Trump said the odds of a trade deal with the EU were about "50-50," even as negotiators from both sides expressed optimism. Read more here. As President Trump prepares for a planned meeting about tariffs with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday that the European Union has to open its markets for US exports if it wants to convince Trump to reduce the 30% tariff he's threatened to put in place August 1. Reuters reports Lutnick said the EU appeared to want to make a deal: On Friday, Trump said the odds of a trade deal with the EU were about "50-50," even as negotiators from both sides expressed optimism. Read more here. LG says consumers rushed to buy appliances ahead of tariffs Tariffs remain a key concern for South Korean appliance maker LG Electronics ( The company said that if President Trump's blanket tariffs take effect on Aug. 1, it will adjust prices and move some production to its plants in Mexico and the US. LG produces its products worldwide, particularly in South Korea, China, and Vietnam. On Aug. 1, imports from South Korea face a 25% tariff, while those from Vietnam face a 20% tariff. Imports from China are estimated to face tariffs of roughly 50%, though that could change after US and Chinese officials meet in Sweden for the next round of trade talks. According to LG, consumers rushed to purchase items in the first half of the year to avoid tariffs. Still, the company's net profit fell 3.1% in Q2 as operating costs increased. "Some consumers have been rushing to make purchases before the tariffs take effect," an executive said on the earnings call. "In the first half of 2025, we achieved approximately 3% growth year over year, higher than the market demand with new product launches and efficient sales operations, continuing to strengthen our market presence." But that pull-forward in demand could signal weakness ahead in the months to come if trade tensions escalate again. "A rise in product costs driven by the 50% tariff on steel and reciprocal tariffs that are set to be applied in the latter half of the year could translate into greater uncertainties for the market price," the executive said. "Additionally, shifts in the US government's trade policies and weakening consumer sentiment cast doubt on the demand outlook for home appliances." This isn't the first time LG has grappled with US protectionist policies. In 2018, during Trump's first term, washing machine prices rose when Trump targeted the industry with tariffs. Tariffs remain a key concern for South Korean appliance maker LG Electronics ( The company said that if President Trump's blanket tariffs take effect on Aug. 1, it will adjust prices and move some production to its plants in Mexico and the US. LG produces its products worldwide, particularly in South Korea, China, and Vietnam. On Aug. 1, imports from South Korea face a 25% tariff, while those from Vietnam face a 20% tariff. Imports from China are estimated to face tariffs of roughly 50%, though that could change after US and Chinese officials meet in Sweden for the next round of trade talks. According to LG, consumers rushed to purchase items in the first half of the year to avoid tariffs. Still, the company's net profit fell 3.1% in Q2 as operating costs increased. "Some consumers have been rushing to make purchases before the tariffs take effect," an executive said on the earnings call. "In the first half of 2025, we achieved approximately 3% growth year over year, higher than the market demand with new product launches and efficient sales operations, continuing to strengthen our market presence." But that pull-forward in demand could signal weakness ahead in the months to come if trade tensions escalate again. "A rise in product costs driven by the 50% tariff on steel and reciprocal tariffs that are set to be applied in the latter half of the year could translate into greater uncertainties for the market price," the executive said. "Additionally, shifts in the US government's trade policies and weakening consumer sentiment cast doubt on the demand outlook for home appliances." This isn't the first time LG has grappled with US protectionist policies. In 2018, during Trump's first term, washing machine prices rose when Trump targeted the industry with tariffs. Japan says $550 billion investment could finance Taiwanese chipmaker in US The $550 billion President Trump said Japan gave to the US "to lower their tariffs a little bit," could be used to help finance a Taiwanese chipmaker building plants in the US, the Associated Press reported Saturday. Trump on Thursday called the $550 billion "seed money" and that 90% of profits from the money invested would go to the US. "It's not a loan or anything, it's a signing bonus," Trump said. Read more here. The $550 billion President Trump said Japan gave to the US "to lower their tariffs a little bit," could be used to help finance a Taiwanese chipmaker building plants in the US, the Associated Press reported Saturday. Trump on Thursday called the $550 billion "seed money" and that 90% of profits from the money invested would go to the US. "It's not a loan or anything, it's a signing bonus," Trump said. Read more here. More cracks form in the US-Japan trade agreement We detailed earlier (keep scrolling) some initial, if gentle, pushback from the Japanese side on the US portrayal of the countries' trade deal. The Financial Times has a good, detailed look at some of the "cracks" forming: Read more here (subscription required). We detailed earlier (keep scrolling) some initial, if gentle, pushback from the Japanese side on the US portrayal of the countries' trade deal. The Financial Times has a good, detailed look at some of the "cracks" forming: Read more here (subscription required). EU head to meet with Trump this weekend in bid to clinch deal Bloomberg reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with President Trump this weekend as he travels to his golf club in Scotland in a bid to secure a trade deal. The meeting will come as the two sides race to secure a deal ahead of next Friday — Trump's self-imposed deadline for 30% tariffs on EU goods to kick in. On Friday, Trump put the odds of a deal at "50-50." From the report: Bloomberg reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with President Trump this weekend as he travels to his golf club in Scotland in a bid to secure a trade deal. The meeting will come as the two sides race to secure a deal ahead of next Friday — Trump's self-imposed deadline for 30% tariffs on EU goods to kick in. On Friday, Trump put the odds of a deal at "50-50." From the report: Trump: 'We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada' President Trump on Friday expressed pessimism on US trade negotiations with Canada, suggesting he may simply impose threatened 35% tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the existing US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement. "We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada. I think Canada could be one where there's just a tariff, not really a negotiation," he said. More from Reuters: President Trump on Friday expressed pessimism on US trade negotiations with Canada, suggesting he may simply impose threatened 35% tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the existing US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement. "We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada. I think Canada could be one where there's just a tariff, not really a negotiation," he said. More from Reuters: Boston Beer Company says strong profits helped brewer absorb tariff costs The Boston Beer Company (SAM) continues to feel the effects of President Trump's tariffs, but a strong quarter of sales and profit is helping the Samuel Adams brewer absorb some of those cost increases. Boston Beer expects tariffs to add about $15 million to $20 million in costs for the full year. Previously, it modeled tariff costs of $20 million to $30 million. Expect the company to raise prices by 1% to 2% to offset some of the costs as well, executives said. Boston Beer did see tariffs negatively affect its gross margin toward the end of the second quarter, but it benefited from improved brewery efficiencies. For the second quarter, the company reported profits of $5.45 per share on revenue of $625 million, versus estimates for earnings of $4.00 per share on $588 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Right now, I think we're very happy with the performance," Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane said on the earnings call. "Not only that, but that's allowed us to offset some of the tariffs that we've seen so far." The Boston Beer Company (SAM) continues to feel the effects of President Trump's tariffs, but a strong quarter of sales and profit is helping the Samuel Adams brewer absorb some of those cost increases. Boston Beer expects tariffs to add about $15 million to $20 million in costs for the full year. Previously, it modeled tariff costs of $20 million to $30 million. Expect the company to raise prices by 1% to 2% to offset some of the costs as well, executives said. Boston Beer did see tariffs negatively affect its gross margin toward the end of the second quarter, but it benefited from improved brewery efficiencies. For the second quarter, the company reported profits of $5.45 per share on revenue of $625 million, versus estimates for earnings of $4.00 per share on $588 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Right now, I think we're very happy with the performance," Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane said on the earnings call. "Not only that, but that's allowed us to offset some of the tariffs that we've seen so far." Some headlines from Trump on tariffs this morning Via Bloomberg: Via Bloomberg: Trump: US will sell 'so much' beef to Australia President Trump said on Thursday that the US will sell "so much" beef to Australia, following Canberra relaxing import restrictions. Trump added that other countries who had refused US beef products were on notice. Reuters reports: Read more here. President Trump said on Thursday that the US will sell "so much" beef to Australia, following Canberra relaxing import restrictions. Trump added that other countries who had refused US beef products were on notice. Reuters reports: Read more here. World's No. 3 automaker Kia takes $570M tariff hit in Q2 Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma shares dive after warning of full-year loss, US tariff impact Puma ( shares fell 17% on Friday after the sportswear brand said that it now expects an annual loss due to a decline in sales and US tariffs denting profit. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma ( shares fell 17% on Friday after the sportswear brand said that it now expects an annual loss due to a decline in sales and US tariffs denting profit. Reuters reports: Read more here. LG Energy Solution warns of slowing EV battery demand due to U.S. tariffs, policy headwinds Reuters reports: South Korean battery firm LG Energy ( Solution warned on Friday of a further slowdown in demand by early next year due to U.S. tariffs and policy uncertainties after it posted a quarterly profit jump. Its major customers Tesla (TSLA) and General Motors (GM) warned of fallout from U.S. tariffs and legislation that will end federal subsidies for EV purchases on September 30. "US tariffs and an early end to EV subsidies will put a burden on automakers, potentially leading to vehicle price increases and a slowdown in EV growth in North America," CFO Lee Chang-sil said during a conference call. Read more here. Reuters reports: South Korean battery firm LG Energy ( Solution warned on Friday of a further slowdown in demand by early next year due to U.S. tariffs and policy uncertainties after it posted a quarterly profit jump. Its major customers Tesla (TSLA) and General Motors (GM) warned of fallout from U.S. tariffs and legislation that will end federal subsidies for EV purchases on September 30. "US tariffs and an early end to EV subsidies will put a burden on automakers, potentially leading to vehicle price increases and a slowdown in EV growth in North America," CFO Lee Chang-sil said during a conference call. Read more here. Japan, US differ on how trade-deal profits will be split Japan said Friday that profits from the $550 billion investment deal with the US will be shared based on how much each side contributes. A government official suggested the US will also put in significant funds, but details of the scheme remain unclear. The White House had announced earlier in the week that the US would retain 90% of the profits from the $550 billion US-bound investment and loans that Japan would exchange in return for reduced tariffs on auto and other exports to the US. This would mean that returns would be split 10% for Japan and 90% for the US, according to the White House official, and that it would be "based on the respective levels of contribution and risk borne by each side." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Japan said Friday that profits from the $550 billion investment deal with the US will be shared based on how much each side contributes. A government official suggested the US will also put in significant funds, but details of the scheme remain unclear. The White House had announced earlier in the week that the US would retain 90% of the profits from the $550 billion US-bound investment and loans that Japan would exchange in return for reduced tariffs on auto and other exports to the US. This would mean that returns would be split 10% for Japan and 90% for the US, according to the White House official, and that it would be "based on the respective levels of contribution and risk borne by each side." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. US business activity rises; tariffs fuel inflation concerns US business activity rose in July, but companies increased the prices for goods and services, supporting the view from economists that inflation will accelerate in the second half of 2025 and it will mainly be due to tariffs on imports. Reuters reports: Read more here. US business activity rose in July, but companies increased the prices for goods and services, supporting the view from economists that inflation will accelerate in the second half of 2025 and it will mainly be due to tariffs on imports. Reuters reports: Read more here. It sounds like Trump now has a new minimum tariff rate: 15% President Trump set a new rhetorical floor for tariffs on Wednesday night in comments in a shift that raises the president's baseline rate from 10%. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul writes: Read more here. President Trump set a new rhetorical floor for tariffs on Wednesday night in comments in a shift that raises the president's baseline rate from 10%. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul writes: Read more here. Keurig Dr. Pepper brewer sales volume drops 22%, CEO says tariff impacts 'will become prominent' Keurig Dr. Pepper CEO Tim Cofer said that tariffs are putting additional pressure on the company in an earnings call Thursday, especially when it comes to its coffee business, which KDP expects to be "subdued" for the remainder of the year. "Commodity inflation will build as we roll into the back half and we roll into our higher cost hedges on green coffee," Cofer said. "The tariff impacts will become prominent. And we all know that tariff situation is a bit fluid." Keurig is one of the biggest coffee importers in the US, along with Starbucks (SBUX) and Nestle (NSRGY). The US sources most of its coffee from Brazil, which is set to face 50% tariffs on its products on Aug. 1, and Colombia, which faces a tariff rate of 10%. In Keurig's coffee business, appliance volume decreased 22.6% during the quarter, reflecting impacts of retailer inventory management, and K-Cup pod volume decreased 3.7%, reflecting category elasticity in response to price increases, the company reported. "Our retail partners will likely continue to manage their inventory levels tightly, in particular on brewers," Cofer commented. "And then finally, you know we did a round of pricing at the beginning of the year. We've announced another round of pricing that will take effect next month, and we'll need to closely monitor how that elasticity evolves." Read more about Keurig earnings here. Keurig Dr. Pepper CEO Tim Cofer said that tariffs are putting additional pressure on the company in an earnings call Thursday, especially when it comes to its coffee business, which KDP expects to be "subdued" for the remainder of the year. "Commodity inflation will build as we roll into the back half and we roll into our higher cost hedges on green coffee," Cofer said. "The tariff impacts will become prominent. And we all know that tariff situation is a bit fluid." Keurig is one of the biggest coffee importers in the US, along with Starbucks (SBUX) and Nestle (NSRGY). The US sources most of its coffee from Brazil, which is set to face 50% tariffs on its products on Aug. 1, and Colombia, which faces a tariff rate of 10%. In Keurig's coffee business, appliance volume decreased 22.6% during the quarter, reflecting impacts of retailer inventory management, and K-Cup pod volume decreased 3.7%, reflecting category elasticity in response to price increases, the company reported. "Our retail partners will likely continue to manage their inventory levels tightly, in particular on brewers," Cofer commented. "And then finally, you know we did a round of pricing at the beginning of the year. We've announced another round of pricing that will take effect next month, and we'll need to closely monitor how that elasticity evolves." Read more about Keurig earnings here. The EU's Trump insurance As my colleague detailed below, EU member states voted to impose tariffs on over $100 billion of US goods from Aug. 7. The Financial Times reported that this move that allows the bloc to impose the levies quickly at any point in the future should its trade relationship with the US take a turn for the worse. From the report: Read more here (subscription required). As my colleague detailed below, EU member states voted to impose tariffs on over $100 billion of US goods from Aug. 7. The Financial Times reported that this move that allows the bloc to impose the levies quickly at any point in the future should its trade relationship with the US take a turn for the worse. From the report: Read more here (subscription required). Europe approves $100B-plus tariff backup plan A report in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday said that the European Union has now approved its retaliatory tariff package on US goods that could start in August if no trade agreement is reached. The EU announced on Wednesday that it will hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. The approval of the package comes despite the growing optimism that the US and EU will reach a deal that would put baseline tariffs on the bloc at 15%, matching the level the US applied to Japan. The EU is keen to reach a deal with the US but as a cautionary measure has approved 30% tariffs if a deal is not made. A report in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday said that the European Union has now approved its retaliatory tariff package on US goods that could start in August if no trade agreement is reached. The EU announced on Wednesday that it will hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. The approval of the package comes despite the growing optimism that the US and EU will reach a deal that would put baseline tariffs on the bloc at 15%, matching the level the US applied to Japan. The EU is keen to reach a deal with the US but as a cautionary measure has approved 30% tariffs if a deal is not made. Trump tariffs wreaking havoc in Brazil's citrus belt Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here.
Newsweek
23 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Donald Trump Trashed in Scotland's Biggest Newspaper: 'Menace'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's visit to Scotland has drawn intense criticism from Scotland's largest newspaper, The Daily Record, which called him a "menace" in an editorial while also urging U.K. leaders to pursue pragmatic engagement for the sake of long-term relations. Newsweek contacted Trump's team for a response to the report via email. Why It Matters The comments come after Scottish police have told Newsweek a "significant" operation was being planned in expectation of protests against Trump during his time in Scotland, where he will visit his newest golf course. In 2018, thousands of protesters gathered when Trump visited his Scottish golf courses during his first term. President Donald Trump reacts as he plays a round of golf at Trump Turnberry golf course on July 27, 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. President Donald Trump reacts as he plays a round of golf at Trump Turnberry golf course on July 27, 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. Getty Images What To Know On the eve of Trump's five-day trip to Scotland, The Daily Record published a strong editorial criticizing his actions. The newspaper described Trump as a "menace who has caused chaos at home and abroad," referencing his refusal to accept defeat in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, perceived support for protesters involved in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and his public statements regarding foreign leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The editorial also said that Trump's status as a "convicted felon" was contributing to Scottish protesters' outrage. Despite these criticisms, the paper urged leaders such as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney to maintain engagement with Trump for economic and diplomatic reasons, citing decades-long U.S.-UK security ties and potential leverage on international issues such as tariffs and foreign conflicts. What People Are Saying Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International, said in a press release sent to Newsweek: "The Trump family has a deep affection for Scotland, not only as the home of golf, but as the ancestral home of President Trump's beloved mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. We are therefore delighted to confirm that we are planning the creation of a memorial garden in honor of Mary Anne MacLeod as a fitting tribute to her name and legacy." Born on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, MacLeod moved to the U.S. in 1930 and became a naturalized citizen in March 1942. What Happens Next Trump's visit is expected to draw protests throughout Scotland, as noted by The Daily Record. U.K. and Scottish leaders face the challenge of balancing domestic opposition to Trump's policies and character with the need to maintain and potentially strengthen critical U.S.-UK relationships.
