The transatlantic alliance between the European Union and the United States was once perceived to be unshakable. The two sides have been prime stakeholders of the US-led unipolar world order. However, this partnership seems to be unraveling rapidly due to Trump’s antagonizing nationalistic approach.
In his inaugural speech, Trump stated, “We’re moving quickly to bring back strength and peace and stability abroad.” This all comes after the United States has lost its credibility as a reliable ally and is rapidly losing its position as a superpower. Trump seems to build a positive image of the United States, to keep the country relevant in the new multipolar world order. In pursuit of this positive image of a “peacemaker”, Trump has taken a hard approach toward the European Union. Trump has always been known for his disparagement towards the EU. At the start of his 1st cabinet meeting, after assuming the presidential office for the second time, he told media reporters, “The European Union was formed to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a very good job.”
The world has recently seen a surprising development that the United States, once a key ally of Ukraine, has voted against a UN resolution putting all the blame for the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Moscow. This move was not only surprising for Kyiv, but it also stirred commotion in the European capitals. The US Vice President, J.D. Vance, further escalated the situation with his harsh rhetoric about European leaders. He accused them of suppressing democracy, ignoring the European populace’s concerns about immigration policy, running incompetent institutions, and violating the right of free speech. In addition, he blamed them for using American taxpayers’ money to strengthen their military capabilities, hoarding foreign exchange reserves, and modernizing European infrastructure.
Trump’s move to start peace negotiations with Russia on Ukraine without the inclusion of the EU has also antagonized the European leader and was a clear signal from the US that it is parting ways with Europe. A secret commercial deal between Ukraine and the United States about managing and developing the former’s minerals has further alienated the European nations. However, it seems that the European leaders are bewildered about this novel approach of the United States. While some have criticized Trump for his policies, others are cajoling him through appeasement. The very next day of the UN votes, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, held an exuberant press conference with Donald Trump in the White House. He corroborated Trump’s stance on the EU by stating, “European countries need to do more … to more fairly share the security burden that your country has been carrying for so many years.” Macron also offered hesitant support for the US-Ukraine secret bilateral agreement.
On 26th February 2025, during his first cabinet meeting, Trump announced that he would impose a 25 percent tariff on European products. He also added that this decision will be announced very soon. This will be a major blow to the EU and will severely damage transatlantic relations. The news of these proposed tariffs drew a swift response from the EU. The European Commission responded by stating that the EU market has been a “boon” for the United States. Furthermore, the European Commission spokesperson stated, “The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies.”
Many European leaders and officials have also criticized J.D. Vance’s speech. They declared it an insult and intentional provocation of conflict with Europe by the United States. The widening gulf between the US and the EU demonstrates that the former has realized that it would have to revisit its policies to sustain its global hegemony. However, the United States policy shift will have serious repercussions. Breaking away from its closest allies will prompt the decline of the US hegemony and influence. This confrontational and isolationist policy by the United States will create an opportunity for Russia and China, two key players in the emerging multipolar world order, to expand their diplomatic influence. International relations are only dictated by interests. Therefore, after betrayal from the United States, the EU would have no other option than to cooperate with Russia and China, further augmenting their rise as the world’s new superpowers.
Taut Bataut – is a researcher and writer that publishes on South Asian geopolitics
