Donald Trump last night vowed to slap 25 per cent tariffs on imports from the European Union.

The US President, 78, made the announcement during his first cabinet meeting since returning to the White House. The world leader declared that the bloc was established just to "screw" the United States of America as he announced the massive levy.

"It will be 25 per cent, generally speaking, and that will be on cars and all other things. The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States, that’s the purpose of it. And they’ve done a good job of it. But now I’m President," Mr Trump told reporters, insisting the move will happen "very soon".

The EU has "really taken advantage" of America by not accepting its cars or farm products, Mr Trump stressed. The politician said the bloc will be unable to retaliate to his bulllish plans.

Mr Trump, who will meet Keir Starmer today, continued: "We have about a $300 million deficit with the European Union." However, he added Britain does not have a trade deficit with the US - which could mean it is spared from severe tariffs.

The President claimed the US is the "pot of gold" that everyone wants and when faced with retaliation it can "go cold turkey" and not buy any more, winning the trade war.

Mr Trump's controversial America First policy has already seen him announce tariffs of 25 per cent on all steel and aluminium imports. He has also imposed 10 per cent tariffs on goods from China and is still threatening to hit Canada and Mexico with rates of 25 per cent.

The picture with the UK looks different but now many feel Mr Starmer, 62, faces his biggest challenge since being elected as Prime Minister in July. He recently announced the UK will increase its defence spending to 2.5 per cent by 2027, an announcement met with support from the Tories and Lib Dems as the US security consensus for the continent that has endured for more than 70 years continues to fracture.

But an expert told The Mirror on Wednesday Mr Trump will view a three per cent of GDP defence target for the UK as the "minimum baseline" to tout as a success in the crunch talks.

Dr Thomas Gift, Director of the Centre on US Politics at University College London, told us: "Trump’s entire approach to meeting with world leaders centres on his showcasing his mastery of the 'art of the deal'. Keir Starmer’s pledge to ramp up defence spending is certainly something that Trump can, and undoubtedly will, claim credit for."