US National Security Strategy Targets Europe as Ideological Adversary Amid Rising Tensions
A recent survey by Le Grand Continent across nine EU countries revealed that almost half of EU citizens consider Donald Trump an enemy of Europe and view the ideology of Trumpism as a hostile force.
In this context, the White House released a 30-page National Security Strategy document marking a significant shift from traditional Atlantic alliance ties, portraying the European Union as a target for ideological warfare.
The strategy outlines proposals to interfere in European affairs by cultivating resistance within Europe, promoting the restoration of national sovereignties, supporting patriotic far-right parties, and potentially legitimizing racist conspiracy theories. It further warns of the risk of civilisational erasure should non-European immigration continue.
Analyst Cas Mudde commented that the document effectively redefines Europe as a willing adversary, indicating that US policy might undermine liberal democracy within European countries.
In an interview with Politico, Donald Trump criticized Europe as decaying, accusing their immigration policies of destroying European countries, with targeted remarks at Paris and London.
European governments have publicly responded with muted reactions; however, some leaders, including Germany's Friedrich Merz, have called for a more independent European security policy.
The document also signals coercive strategies beyond trade, such as pressuring Ukraine toward a peace deal favorable to Russian interests and sidelining Europe from direct negotiations.
Ukraine currently faces critical funding gaps, with Europe urged to mobilize billions through frozen Russian assets or joint borrowing. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has hinted that elections might be staged if subjected to pressure from Trump.
