Donald Trump has risked a furious backlash from the Europena Union by announcing he is hiking tariffs charged to the bloc for cars and trucks coming into the US. In a furious post on Truth Social, the US president accused the EU of "not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal".

He said from next week, he will be increeasing the tariffs to 25%. Mr Trump wrote: "I am pleased to announce that, based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our fully agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States. The Tariff will be increased to 25%. It is fully understood and agreed that, if they produce Cars and Trucks in U.S.A. Plants, there will be NO TARIFF. Many Automobile and Truck Plants are currently under construction, with over $100billion being invested, A RECORD in the History of Car and Truck Manufacturing. These Plants, staffed with American Workers, will be opening soon — There has never been anything like what is happening in America today! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP."

Mr Trump said he would be removing US tariffs and restrictions on whisky "in honour of the King and Queen".

He threatened to withdraw US troops from Spain and Italy and also said he could reduce the number of troops currently in Germany.

Speaking to reporters late on Thursday, Mr Trump said "Italy has not been of any help," and added "Spain has been horrible".

Asked whether he would consider pulling his troops out of the two nations, he answered "probably".

The US President European-linked ships used the Strait of Hormuz - something Guido Crosetto, Italy’s defence minister, firmly rejected.

Mr Trump's threat also comes after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz alleged the US "obviously went into this war without any strategy".

Mr Merz also claimed Iran's leadership is "humiliating an entire nation".