The Troubling Implications of Trump's Atlanticism: A Call for European Response

During Donald Trump's first administration, commentators wisely advised that his words should be taken seriously, not literally. However, experiences suggest that this formula puts the cart before the horse. A new U.S. National Security Strategy, along with a series of remarks from various U.S. officials, presidential proxies, and Trump himself, has culminated in what could mark one of the most profound crises for Atlanticism—the security doctrine that has maintained peace and democracy in Europe since the end of World War II. Where Trump’s earlier stance centered on Europe’s insufficient contribution to its own security, he has now adopted a more alarming vision. This perspective is tinted with racial overtones and a staggering contempt for Europe’s political institutions and leaders. Trump has warned of a risk of civilizational collapse on a continent he barely understands and has viewed predominantly from the window of an armored sedan. His recent interview with Politico lacked any clear ideological coherence, filled instead with the confused anxieties of an aging white man confronting an evolving world. This paranoid, MAGA worldview is behind the troubling policies of immigration policing in the U.S., and it has driven efforts to erase black experiences and representation. What is now apparent is that those same fears have become Washington’s prism for understanding Europe. From this standpoint, immigration from the developing world is perceived as diluting European identities, rendering countries weak under ineffective leadership, and ultimately setting the stage for their demise. This theory is unabashedly rooted in racism, as Trump and his circle have made evident their preference to support far-right European parties. While Trump’s race-baiting rhetoric is not new, it is vital to understand its implications within the broader context of European security. For Trump and his MAGA supporters—including the likes of Elon Musk, who has recently called for the breakup of the European Union—politics and diplomacy function through a transactional lens. Where once Trump argued that Europe wasn’t paying its fair share, he has shifted his position to suggest that a decadent Europe, due to its multiculturalism, is fundamentally undeserving. In his Politico interview, Trump connects these dots in what can only be described as a wish-fulfillment exercise. He acknowledges that Vladimir Putin wishes for a weakened Europe, dubbing the continent as weak himself. In doing so, by highlighting the schisms between Washington and Europe prompted by his remarks, he aids Putin in actively undermining the continent while denying responsibility. This troubling scenario unfolds at one of the most consequential moments for Europe since World War II, defined by the devastating conflict in Ukraine and escalating Russian provocations throughout the continent. As Europe forges stronger ties to Ukraine amidst continued threats of U.S. abandonment, it becomes increasingly dangerous that Trump has rationalized a harmful narrative for ignoring European perspectives. In light of this, European leaders are called upon to craft a robust response. While some leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have recently pushed back against Trump’s comments, others, such as those in Keir Starmer’s office, have continued with a policy of appeasement towards the White House. On Tuesday, Downing Street refrained from pushing back against either Trump’s comments about Europe or his latest attack on London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan. The Prime Minister’s office maintains that there exists a strong relationship with both the U.S. president and the Mayor of London, committing to collaboration in delivering beneficial outcomes for the British populace. However, the reality remains that Trump means what he says and says what he means—a pattern that has now been repeated multiple times. It is high time to abandon the charade that suggests otherwise. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2