Trump Is Betting on the Wrong Europe
The article argues that the Trump administration's support for European nationalist-populist parties is strategically flawed. It suggests these alliances may undermine U.S. interests by fostering a fragmented Europe that is less capable of countering Russian and Chinese influence.
Why it matters
It challenges the foreign policy logic of the current U.S. administration regarding transatlantic relations.
The far-right parties the White House favors have a foreign-policy agenda that won’t serve American interests.
Jens Schlüter / AFP / Getty September 19, 2026, 7 AM ET Share Save Donald Trump says he wants a Europe that is more capable of defending itself. But the nationalist-populist movements he is championing there will not advance this agenda and may put Europe at odds with the United States over China.
Earlier this month, the nationalist-populist Alternative for Germany party came just a few seats short of an outright majority in a regional parliament, its best-ever result. This Sunday, Germans will vote in two more regional elections. The ruling Christian Democrats are behind in both races, and the AfD is expected to do well in one. On Wednesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled his visit to the United Nations General Assembly next week, sparking speculation that he could soon be forced to resign.
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