In July, Trump had threatened to lift pharmaecutical tariffs to 200%, but speaking on CNBC on 5 August, Trump said they could eventually go as high as 250%. EU member state Ireland is a major pharmaceutical exporter to the US, as are other European nations: Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk is also Europe-based, headquartered in Denmark.

The United States and European Union on Thursday released the first official text of a new transatlantic trade agreement, confirming plans to slash tariffs on autos and industrial goods—contingent on Europe enacting its pledge to eliminate duties on U.S. exports.

Just after noon, European leaders including Macron, Starmer, von der Leyen, Rutte, and Meloni began arriving one by one at the White House. According to the White House schedule, Trump will first meet with Zelensky at 1:15 p.m. before greeting the European leaders, followed by a multilateral meeting with all parties at 3:00 p.m.