Donald Trump has announced a third foreign policy doctrine from the Oval Office. This maneuvering has the potential to reshape how the United States conducts foreign policy for the duration of his presidency. The announcement has fanned an anti-American flame that was already raging in Europe, where almost half of all citizens consider him to be an enemy. Trump’s statements on European cities and their immigration policies have drawn a firestorm of denunciation. They sound alarms over a potential new ideological rift between the United States and its traditional allies.
The doctrine marked, if true, a significant departure from the foundational principles that have long made the Atlantic alliance strong. Trump’s recently complained about the demographic changes that these cities, like Paris and London, are going through. He argues these changes are making the country less white. He views these alterations as an indicator of a broader collapse. He calls Europe “a dying continent” and its leaders “so politically correct that you can’t even identify the problem.”
In a recent trip across Europe, the United States Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump alleged—in a string of incendiary comments—that current immigration policies are “destroying” the continent. He sounded the alarm that if non-European immigration persisted, Europe would face what he called “civilisational erasure.” This wild change in messaging is the main thrust of the attack on immigration. This positions the European Union (EU) as an ideological enemy and therefore a fair target for attacks.
A Trump administration led by Vice President JD Vance would seem to be prepared to go further out on a limb in its European policy. The former president has threatened to meddle directly in European affairs to “cultivate resistance” against what he perceives as ineffective leadership across the continent. His comments have caused many to conclude that his approach will fuel separation instead of uniting first.
The ramifications of Trump’s doctrine go far beyond assimilation efforts on immigration. At every turn, he raised expectations that he would withdraw the US from supporting Ukraine. He slammed European countries for their ineffectiveness and their unwillingness to engage in peace talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. As usual, Trump’s warning was clear and chilling. He even threatened to cut Ukraine adrift if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doesn’t “play ball” in peace negotiations.
As Trump escalates his efforts to claim victory because he has gotten more electoral votes, many scholars and commentators are entering the debate. Cas Mudde, a political scientist, remarked on the potential ramifications of Trump’s approach:
“Daddy is serious … The current US government believes that its national security is best served by the destruction of liberal democracy in Europe.” – Cas Mudde
Additionally, Timothy Garton Ash, a noted historian, underscored the urgency of understanding Trump’s intentions, asking:
“How much more clarity do you need?” – Timothy Garton Ash
Citizens and political leaders all over Europe are responding with shock to Trump’s words. They’re speaking out to press him to rein in his foreign policy to make it less reckless. Many EU citizens are alarmed by Trump’s framing of their countries and question the long-standing alliance with the US under such a contentious doctrine.
To his supporters, Trump’s approach represents a much-needed wake up call to Europeans’ immigration policies and protection of national identity. To some, though, it is an attack on the very principles of liberal democracy that have underpinned transatlantic relations for decades.