Officials have made it clear that with jobs and companies dependent on the relationship between the United States and Europe, both sides would lose in a trade war.
The invoking of national security to unravel trade agreements could scramble the international trading system in China’s favor.
European leaders will gather Monday to plot a rough path forward on defense. Wavering support from President Trump is likely to drive the debate.
President Trump’s threats are carrying more weight after his moves against Canada, Mexico and China. Europe has been preparing for the possibility of a trade war for months.