What's happened
On December 9-11, 2025, former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Europe as "decaying" and its leaders as "weak," blaming migration policies and political correctness for the continent's decline. He questioned Ukraine's democracy amid the ongoing war with Russia, urged elections despite martial law, and endorsed far-right European politicians, deepening transatlantic tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Trump's Rhetoric Signals a Shift in US-European Relations
Trump's recent statements and the 2025 National Security Strategy mark a stark departure from traditional US support for European allies. By framing Europe as "decaying" and its leaders as "weak," Trump aligns with far-right narratives that emphasize nationalism and anti-immigration policies. This rhetoric undermines longstanding transatlantic unity and signals a US administration more focused on cultural and civilizational identity than geopolitical rivalry with Russia or China.
The Ukraine War and Diplomatic Fractures
Trump's skepticism about Ukraine's democracy and his push for elections despite martial law challenge the consensus among European allies who support Kyiv's resistance against Russia. His assertion that Russia holds the "upper hand" and his hints at potentially walking away from the conflict risk alienating NATO partners and emboldening Moscow.
Endorsement of Far-Right European Leaders
Trump's open support for figures like Hungary's Viktor Orbán, known for strict immigration policies, signals a US willingness to back nationalist movements in Europe. This could deepen divisions within the EU and NATO, as many European countries reject far-right parties from governance.
Implications for Transatlantic Security and Politics
- The US strategy's call to "cultivate resistance" within Europe against liberal migration policies may fuel political polarization and instability.
- Europe's response, including rebukes from leaders like the European Council President, highlights the diplomatic strain.
- Trump's framing of migration as a civilizational threat shifts US foreign policy focus from traditional security concerns to cultural and identity issues.
Forecast
This trajectory will likely exacerbate tensions between the US and its European allies, complicate coordinated responses to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and embolden nationalist movements across Europe. The erosion of trust may weaken NATO cohesion and alter the balance of power in transatlantic relations over the coming years.
What the papers say
Thomas L. Friedman in The New York Times highlights the unprecedented nature of the Trump administration's National Security Strategy, noting its focus on Europe's internal challenges rather than traditional geopolitical rivals like Russia and China. Friedman writes, "the strategy paper warns, unless our European allies elect more 'patriotic' nationalist parties... Europe will face 'civilizational erasure.'"
The New Arab and Al Jazeera provide detailed accounts of Trump's interview with Politico, where he called Europe "decaying" and criticized migration policies as a "disaster." Al Jazeera notes Trump's attacks on London's Mayor Sadiq Khan, describing him as "horrible, vicious, disgusting," and his dismissal of European efforts to resolve the Ukraine war.
Politico's coverage underscores the political implications, quoting Trump saying, "I think they're weak, but they also want to be so politically correct," and his endorsement of far-right leaders like Viktor Orbán. The article also highlights European leaders' alarm, with the European Council President António Costa rebuking the US for interfering in European democratic processes.
The NY Post editorial frames the US strategy as a wake-up call to Europe, criticizing the continent's elites for suppressing dissent and failing to address economic stagnation and demographic decline. It states, "We want Europe to remain European, to regain its civilizational self-confidence."
Together, these sources illustrate a multifaceted story: Trump's administration is redefining US foreign policy toward Europe with a focus on cultural identity and migration, provoking concern and resistance among traditional allies.
How we got here
Tensions between the US and Europe have escalated following the Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy, which warned of Europe's "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political shifts. Trump's return to the White House has seen him adopt a confrontational stance toward European allies, especially regarding migration and the Ukraine conflict.
Go deeper
- Why does Trump describe Europe as 'decaying'?
- What is Trump's position on the Ukraine war?
- How are European leaders responding to Trump's statements?
Common question
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What Are the Latest Changes in US and European Migration Policies?
Recent developments in migration policies across the US and Europe are shaping the future of international movement and border security. From new laws in Illinois to high-profile criticisms from former President Trump, these changes are sparking debates worldwide. Curious about how these policies are evolving and what they mean for migrants and governments? Below, we explore the key questions and answers about the latest in global migration and security strategies.
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Why Does Trump Say Europe Is 'Decaying' and 'Weak'?
Former US President Donald Trump has recently made bold claims about Europe's stability, describing the continent as 'decaying' and its leaders as 'weak.' These comments have sparked widespread debate about Europe's political health and its relationship with the US. Many are wondering what lies behind Trump's harsh words and what impact they might have on transatlantic relations. Below, we explore the reasons behind his comments and what they mean for Europe's future.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Central Europe is the region comprising the central part of Europe. Central Europe occupies continuous territories that are otherwise sometimes considered parts of Western Europe, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe.
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Viktor Mihály Orbán is a Hungarian politician who has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010; he was also Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002.
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Sadiq Aman Khan is a British politician who has served as the Mayor of London since 2016. He was previously a Member of Parliament for Tooting from 2005 until 2016.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.