EU Trade Chief Calls Trump ‘Obsessed,’ Questions U.S.-China Deal

The European Union’s new trade chief pulled no punches on an inaugural visit to Washington, saying President Donald Trump’s tariff threats amount to short-sighted electioneering and warning him about widespread economic damage from protectionism.

Phil Hogan said Trump’s “America First” agenda has helped bring about “a high-pressure crisis moment for the international trading system.” He urged the U.S. government to work with the EU to uphold open commerce.

“If we go about this in the right way, working together, the mutual benefits can be very significant,” Hogan told a conference in the U.S. capital on Thursday. “But, if we ...