President Donald Trump secured another major victory in his push to reshape the global economy.
The United States reached a framework trade deal with the European Union on Sunday, avoiding a potential trade war.
Trump claims the agreement will boost American manufacturing.
However, the 15% tariff on EU goods could lead to higher prices for US consumers.
Trade Triumph or Distraction?
Trump strongly denied that the trade deal was meant to distract from the ongoing Epstein controversy.
“Oh, you have got to be kidding with that,” he snapped at a reporter.
Still, the irritation in his response highlighted the pressure he’s under as questions persist about his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
The Maxwell Meetings
Adding to the controversy, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche — formerly Trump’s personal lawyer — recently met with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s jailed associate.
Maxwell’s attorney suggested she may be open to a presidential pardon.
Critics warn that Trump could be politicizing the justice system if any deal is made.
Bipartisan Pressure to Release Files
Two lawmakers — one Democrat and one Republican — are pushing for a House vote to release Epstein case files.
This could escalate into a major political showdown.
The pressure comes amid a weekend of mixed events for Trump — high-level diplomacy with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and personal business promotion at his Scottish golf resorts.
Gaza, Protests, and Provocations
While in Scotland, Trump also faced street protests and made controversial remarks online, including a call to prosecute former VP Kamala Harris.
On Monday, he is expected to face calls to pressure Israel to ease the famine in Gaza during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
What’s in the EU Trade Deal?
The new EU deal includes:
- A 15% tariff on most EU exports
- Billions in purchases of US energy
Trump framed it as a massive win.
“This was the big one. This is the biggest of them all,” he said.
Von der Leyen praised Trump as a “tough negotiator” and “dealmaker.”
A Pattern of Tariff-Driven Deals
Trump has recently struck similar trade deals with Japan and the Philippines.
Each included higher tariffs, breaking from global free-trade norms.
He argues that free trade hurts American workers, despite expert warnings that tariffs raise costs for consumers.
Expanding Power and Polarization
Beyond trade, Trump is reshaping American governance.
He’s cutting federal agencies, pressuring universities and law firms, and challenging media — all in service of his “Make America Great Again” platform.
Critics worry about long-term harm to democracy and the economy.
He has also politicized the justice system and slashed funding for scientific research.
Mixed Market Reactions
Markets may view the EU deal positively — if it holds.
An EU-US trade war would have been worse.
Still, critics say the goal isn’t fair trade, but higher tariffs.
Americans could soon face rising prices on cars, food, and consumer goods.
A Strategic Energy Shift
The EU agreed to purchase $880 billion in US energy.
This reduces Europe’s reliance on Russian gas amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“We still have too much Russian LNG,” von der Leyen said, urging a faster break from Moscow.
Epstein Controversy Overshadows Victory
Despite the trade win, Trump can’t shake the Epstein issue.
His base has fueled conspiracy theories about Epstein’s death and demanded the release of client lists.
Trump allies like Pam Bondi and Kash Patel once promised transparency — but haven’t delivered since assuming key roles.
Blanche and Maxwell Stir Suspicion
Maxwell’s attorney said she answered all questions truthfully during meetings with Blanche in Florida.
He also reminded reporters of the president’s pardon power.
Blanche has not yet explained the meetings in detail.
Legal Risks and Political Fallout
Trump has denied wrongdoing in his past friendship with Epstein.
But the administration’s actions are raising red flags.
Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, may see incentive in cooperation.
Trump has the power to reduce that sentence, fueling more speculation.
Was Trump Named in the Files?
Last week, reports surfaced that Trump’s name appeared in the Epstein files.
This does not prove wrongdoing, and legally, the administration may be justified in withholding certain details.
However, the lack of transparency is frustrating Trump’s own base.
Lawmakers Demand Answers
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) called for Maxwell to testify and pushed for file release.
“She’s been indicted twice for perjury,” he noted, adding that private meetings raise red flags.
GOP Fracture Over Transparency
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) warned the GOP could suffer politically if it appears to protect the powerful.
He said, “The voters will be apathetic if we don’t hold the rich and powerful accountable.”
Massie believes enough House signatures can force the vote.
Legal Hurdles
The administration asked courts to release grand jury testimony.
One judge refused last week, citing separation of powers.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) explained on CNN, “We want them to release the files. However, we can’t make them.”
Beyond the Grand Jury
Grand jury material may be just a fraction of what the government holds.
Critics say the administration’s slow, awkward handling has only worsened public frustration.
Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) summed it up: “There were some false expectations created. That’s a political mistake.”
