Even if US democracy can be salvaged from Trump, Europe is moving on
It will take decades to rebuild trust in a country that removed a tyrant once – and then reinstated him four years later
TL;DR
- European leaders are adjusting to a post-Trump world, recognizing that they can no longer assume US friendship and viewing reliance on the US defense umbrella as a strategic vulnerability.
- Donald Trump's presidency has spurred closer integration between Britain and Europe, undermining the case for Brexit and highlighting the diminished credibility of the UK's "special relationship" with Washington.
- The article suggests that rebuilding trust in US democracy may take decades, especially after the reinstatement of a leader associated with the January 6th insurrection.
- European democracies are actively working to address strategic vulnerabilities and are studying the US experience as a cautionary tale to prevent the rise of authoritarianism on their continent.
- Trump's foreign policy decisions, such as his stance on the Middle East and NATO, have damaged his "America First" ideology and influenced European strategic thinking.