New Trump Doctrine Points to Europe's Fundamental Problem: An Alleged Lack of Xenophobia?

During his first term, analysts often suggested that the former president's statements should be taken seriously rather than literally. However, subsequent events suggest that this approach could have reversed the logic.

A recently unveiled U.S. National Security Strategy alongside a series of comments from administration officials, presidential allies, and the former president have precipitated what could be one of the most profound challenges for Atlanticism, the doctrine that has underpinned peace and democracy in Europe since World War II.

From Financial Contributions to Cultural Anxiety

Whereas Trump's earlier complaint focused on Europe's perceived refusal to pay for its own defense, his rhetoric has now embraced a significantly more disturbing perspective.

Colored by racism and a deep-seated contempt for Europe's political institutions and officials, he has spoken about the risk of societal collapse on a continent he has rarely visited and has predominantly viewed from a distance.

"A lengthy discussion devoid of clear ideological coherence is nevertheless replete with another element: the muddled anxiety of an older man facing a changing world."

A conspiratorial worldview, which has shaped contentious American border and law enforcement approaches, now appears to be informing Washington's understanding of Europe.

A Xenophobic Thesis

From this vantage point, migration from the global south causes a weakening of European countries, making them "feeble" under "stupid" leadership and paving the way for their eventual decline. This is an openly racist theory, with the president's allies making clear their support for nationalist movements across Europe.

Although the general thrust of Trump's racial rhetoric is familiar, its specific implications for the continent's defense are essential to grasp.

In the view of the president and his adherents—a group that includes billionaire Elon Musk, who recently advocated for the breakup of the European Union—all statecraft is fundamentally a deal. But, whereas he once claimed was about financial fairness, the new claim is that a declining Europe is undeserving due to its embrace of diversity.

A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

During the conversation, Trump joins these ideas in a form of rhetorical loop. He acknowledges that Russia's Vladimir Putin wants a weak Europe. Trump proclaims Europe to be weak, and in exposing the fissures between the transatlantic alliance, he objectively helps Putin by further weakening European unity—all while claiming it's not his "fault".

All of this is unfolding at perhaps the most critical juncture for Europe in decades, amid a devastating war in Ukraine and escalating Russian-hostile actions across the continent.

While Europe cleaves ever tighter to Ukraine amid continuing warnings of U.S. withdrawal, the peril is that Trump has rationalized a justifying narrative for not listening to his allies.

Reactions from Allies

These developments requires a robust reaction from European leadership. Although certain figures, such as Germany's leader, have been forceful in their pushback, others—like the office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer—have opted for a policy of seeking to placate the U.S. administration.

Recently, the UK government refused to push back on Trump's comments about Europe or his latest criticism on the mayor of London.

The spokesperson stated, "The Prime Minister has a productive partnership with the U.S. president and a good working relationship with the London mayor, and is focused on working with both to achieve better outcomes for the people."

The stark reality is that Trump means his words and repeats them repeatedly. The time has come to abandon the pretense that things are different.