In a move that offers a temporary reprieve to the European Union, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a delay in the implementation of a proposed 50% import tariff on EU goods. Originally scheduled to take effect on June 1, the tariff has now been postponed until July 9, 2025, to allow more time for negotiations.
Speaking to the media in Morristown, New Jersey, President Trump confirmed that the decision followed a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday. According to Trump, von der Leyen expressed a strong desire to begin serious negotiations, prompting the extension.
"I’ve said before that they need to come to the table," Trump stated. "She [von der Leyen] indicated she wants to meet soon and work toward a solution." Following the conversation, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “I have agreed to extend the tariff deadline to July 9, 2025. That’s satisfactory for now.”
President von der Leyen responded positively, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-EU economic partnership. “The relationship between the EU and the U.S. is one of the world’s most significant and close trading ties. Europe is ready to move forward rapidly and constructively. We need this time until July 9 to achieve a good agreement,” she said.
In a separate statement, President Trump criticized Harvard University for what he described as an excessive number of foreign students. He claimed that approximately 31% of Harvard’s student body consists of international students, which he called "too high."
“We give Harvard billions of dollars in grants, and yet they enroll 31% foreign students. That doesn’t make sense,” Trump said. “We want to know who these students are. We have no issue with foreign students per se, but this percentage is too much. Our American students are being left behind.”
Trump also hinted at the possibility of cutting federal funding to Harvard. “We may not continue funding them at current levels. No foreign government funds Harvard – we do. So why are they admitting so many foreign students?”
Additionally, the President accused Harvard of fostering anti-Semitic sentiment. “They are extremely anti-Semitic. Everybody knows it, and it has to stop immediately,” he remarked.
These statements have sparked fresh debate around immigration, education funding, and international student policies, as well as the broader political rhetoric ahead of the U.S. presidential election.
