In one of his most explosive interviews since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump tore into Europe’s political leadership, branding them “weak,” misguided, and incapable of confronting the region’s mounting crises. Speaking to POLITICO in a sweeping 44-minute exchange, Trump dismissed concerns about Russian aggression, derided European migration policies, and openly pledged to intervene in European politics by backing nationalist leaders aligned with his worldview.
The interview—coinciding with precarious peace talks in Ukraine and the release of Washington’s radically revised National Security Strategy—sent shockwaves through Europe’s diplomatic establishment, reopening old wounds about America’s reliability under Trump’s leadership.
‘I Think They’re Weak’ — Trump’s Broadside at Europe
Trump wasted no time in delivering his verdict on Europe’s ruling class.
“I think they’re weak,” he said bluntly. “They’re so politically correct, they don’t know what to do. Europe doesn’t know what to do.”
The comment underscored what many European diplomats fear: a renewed chapter of tension between Washington and its closest allies. POLITICO recently dubbed Trump “The Most Influential Man in Europe,” but the president used the interview to argue that the continent is adrift—economically, strategically, and culturally.
His condemnation centered on two familiar themes: immigration and economic stagnation.
Immigration, Identity, and a Continent ‘Destroying Itself’
Trump accused European governments of “destroying their countries” by allowing large-scale migration, echoing narratives popular among far-right movements across the continent.
He singled out London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor” and claiming his electoral success stems from immigrant communities. “They vote for him now,” Trump said, painting Khan as a symbol of Europe’s demographic and political shift.
Trump’s rhetoric mirrors the language of hardline European populists who warn of a “cultural replacement” underway—language critics say fuels xenophobia and deepens political polarization.
Trade Tensions Reignite
On economic policy, Trump slammed Europe’s “over-regulated” economies and hinted at a fresh round of U.S. tariffs. This posture has already unsettled markets and revived concerns about a potential transatlantic trade war.
He contrasted Western European “stupid” leaders with figures like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, whom he praised as “strong” for opposing immigration and challenging EU institutions.
A National Security Strategy That Changes the Game
The interview aligns closely with the administration’s new National Security Strategy, released last week. The document warns of Europe’s possible “civilisational erasure” within 20 years, urges the continent to take full responsibility for its defense, and downplays Russia as a long-term vulnerability for the U.S.
While the strategy avoids naming France or Germany directly, its implications are unmistakable: Washington now sees Europe as a region in decline, lacking cohesion and strategic direction.
Ukraine: Trump Says ‘Russia Has the Upper Hand’
Trump’s sharpest criticism was reserved for the ongoing war in Ukraine. As Kyiv’s leaders scrambled to rally support in London this week, Trump reiterated his view that Ukraine must make territorial concessions.
“Russia has the upper hand,” he insisted, portraying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a leader on the back foot.
He accused Zelenskyy of refusing to confront reality and claimed—incorrectly, according to Kyiv—that the Ukrainian president hasn’t read Washington’s latest peace proposal. Trump also renewed his call for Ukraine to hold elections, despite martial law and ongoing Russian strikes complicating any such undertaking.
European mediators did not escape criticism; he mocked their diplomacy as “talk that produces nothing” and blamed former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden for enabling Russia’s rise.
A Plan to Reshape Europe’s Political Landscape
Perhaps the most provocative moment came when Trump vowed to actively support European candidates aligned with his agenda. This would represent an unprecedented level of U.S. involvement in European domestic politics.
From Orbán in Hungary to right-wing factions in Poland, Italy, and Germany, Trump’s endorsements could significantly reshape political dynamics ahead of Europe’s 2026 election cycle.
European leaders reacted cautiously. France called the remarks “unhelpful,” while Germany warned against “division in the West.” Privately, officials expressed alarm at what one EU diplomat described as Trump’s attempt to “reengineer Europe from the outside.”
A New Transatlantic Era—Or a Breaking Point
Pressed on whether his stance reflected tough love or outright disdain, Trump insisted he was offering “constructive advice.”
But the underlying message was unmistakable: Europe must adapt to Trump’s strategic demands—or risk losing America’s support.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on and Europe confronts economic turbulence, Trump’s remarks mark a defining moment. The question now is whether the continent will bend, resist, or attempt to chart a path independent of Washington’s unpredictable leadership.
Either way, the foundations of the postwar transatlantic alliance may be entering their most consequential test in generations.
