U.S. President Donald Trump has described a proposed $600 billion investment by European companies in the United States as a “gift,” under the framework of a recent trade agreement between his administration and the European Union.
“They gave us $600 billion that we can invest in anything we want,” Trump was quoted as saying by local media, adding that the sum is “a gift,” not a loan, and does not require repayment within three years.
Trump’s remarks, however, appear to contradict the European Commission’s interpretation of the deal. According to EU officials, the $600 billion represents potential investments by private European companies in the U.S. over the coming years—not a government-backed commitment.
A European Commission spokesperson clarified that the figure refers to non-binding expressions of interest and stressed that, as a public authority, the Commission cannot guarantee investments made by private entities.
The broader agreement, reached between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, includes a provision to impose a 15% tariff on most EU imports into the U.S. The new tariff regime is expected to take effect on August 7.
In addition to the anticipated investment figure, the EU also reportedly committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of U.S. energy exports by the end of Trump’s term in office.
The agreement is part of ongoing efforts to recalibrate trade relations between the U.S. and the EU amid shifting global economic alliances and strategic interests.
