Donald Trump sparked another wave of concern across Europe after delivering a harsh message during a White House briefing last Friday. In response to questions about his administration’s new National Security Strategy, he reportedly told European nations, “You’re on your own, losers. Bye!” a remark that immediately set off alarms among diplomats and analysts who fear what a weakened transatlantic alliance might mean for global stability.
Scottish journalist Andrew Neil pointed out that Trump’s comments may serve as a “wake-up call for a slumbering continent,” but he also noted that Europe has ignored similar warnings before.
Just a few days later, on December 9, Trump doubled down, describing Europe as “decaying” and run by “weak” leaders who are failing to manage migration or bring an end to the war in Ukraine. His remarks echoed the language of the new National Security Strategy, a document that paints Europe as economically stagnant, militarily vulnerable, and at risk of losing its cultural identity framing it as a region on the brink of “civilisational erasure.”
The document goes even further by predicting that some NATO countries could become “majority non-European” within a few decades. Neil highlighted that the phrasing essentially refers to demographic changes involving non-white populations, drawing attention to the unmistakable political messaging behind the report.
Branded as a blueprint to preserve America’s dominance, the strategy openly praises far-right and nationalist parties across Europe, calling them “the only cause for great optimism.” Trump’s team singles out issues like EU policies, migration, and free speech restrictions while aligning itself with parties led by figures such as Giorgia Meloni in Italy and Viktor Orbán in Hungary. Similar movements in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Slovakia are also cited as signs of a broader shift toward nationalist politics.
The Trump administration has spent the year cultivating relationships with these groups, even hosting a senior figure from Germany’s far-right AfD at the White House. In sharp contrast, the document downplays threats from Russia, shifting blame onto European governments for the prolonged war in Ukraine. Unsurprisingly, the Kremlin welcomed the report, calling it “positive” and in line with Russia’s strategic goals.
For many observers, Trump’s stance signals a major departure from the traditional bipartisan commitment to the transatlantic alliance. Critics argue that empowering far-right movements and weakening cooperation with democratic allies not only undermines European stability but also threatens America’s long-standing leadership role making this more than just a diplomatic quarrel, but a glimpse into Trump’s broader worldview.
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