Diplomats Voice Concern Over Trump’s Attacks on Europe
Relations between the United States and its European allies remain strained, with diplomats warning that recent weeks have brought no sign of easing tensions, particularly over the war in Iran.
US President Donald Trump this week lashed out at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling him “totally ineffective”, and threatened to cut the roughly 36,400 US troops stationed in Germany. He also targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying he is “not Winston Churchill” and warning of a “big tariff” on UK imports.
European officials are particularly concerned by discussions within the US Defense Department about potential measures against NATO allies that do not support Washington’s operations in Iran, including suspending Spain’s membership and reviewing US recognition of the Falkland Islands as a UK territory.
One European diplomat said the situation was “unnerving to say the least” and added: “We are braced for anything, anytime.”
Some leaders have sought to stabilize relations through visits, trade deals and policy concessions, but diplomats say even those efforts have failed to shield them from criticism.
“All those who tried that got their volley of insults, like the others. So everybody realizes now that flattery doesn’t work either”, a second diplomat said.
Despite tensions, European officials say they remain committed to transatlantic ties, while becoming more outspoken in opposing US policies and accelerating efforts to strengthen their own defense capabilities.