How Trump is Unraveling the Fabric of Atlanticism?

When Trump took office, he remarked, “The European Union has treated us so terribly,” hinting at a trade war. In February, he imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, set to take effect in March. This wasn’t the first time he targeted EU industries:

In 2018, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum from European and Canadian companies.

In 2019, he escalated tensions with a 25% tariff on French wines, Italian cheese, and Scotch whiskey in retaliation for EU subsidies to Airbus, a Boeing competitor.

2) Pressure on European NATO members

Trump frequently labeled NATO as “OBSOLETE,” criticizing its financial burden on the US, its largest contributor.

He pushed NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, arguing Europe should take on more security costs.

During his first term, he demanded a 2% GDP defense spending target and initiated a US troop withdrawal from Germany, later reversed by Biden.

Trump is now considering reducing US military presence in Europe by 20%, urging allies to invest more in their own defense, according to ASNA.

3) Pragmatic stance on Ukraine

Trump took a pragmatic view on Ukraine, holding a phone call with Putin and making it clear Ukraine wouldn’t join NATO nor influence European security, in contrast to the EU’s “no peace talks without Ukraine” stance.

4) Rebuilding ties with Russia

Trump advocated for Russia’s return to the G7 and acknowledged Moscow’s security concerns, particularly regarding Ukraine and NATO aspirations.

His blunt realism contrasts with the Atlanticist focus on a “strategic defeat of Russia,” unsettling many European politicians.