Trump Is the First Eurosceptic U.S. President, and That’s a Good Thing

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Heritage Foundation Header

Key Takeaways

  1. Trump is treating the European Union as a competitor and even an adversary, as a force that is actively undermining the U.S. economy and the American people.
  2. Trump shares with Europe’s rising national conservative parties the view that far too much power is in the hands of Brussels.
  3. Americans increasingly hold that the European Union does not advance their interests, and stands against the principles of liberty and sovereignty.

Donald Trump has not held back from blasting the European Union since returning to the White House. 

In the first cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump bluntly stated that the EU was “formed in order to screw the United States” before previewing 25 per cent tariffs against Brussels. 

The contrast with America’s last president, Joe Biden, and his vice president, Kamala Harris, could not be greater. 

Biden, like most Democrats in Washington (including his predecessor, Barack Obama), was a diehard Eurofederalist who ludicrously proclaimed in a speech before the European Parliament in 2010 that Brussels could claim to be the “capital of the free world.”

Gone are the days of Biden’s obsequiousness. Trump is treating the European Union as a competitor and even an adversary, as a force that is actively undermining the U.S. economy and the American people.

>>> Europe Wants To Be the World’s Speech Police

In Trump’s eyes, the EU has operated as a mafia style protectionist racket that floods the U.S. with exports while charging heavy penalties against American producers, including automakers and farmers. 

This is especially the case with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, which was established primarily to protect French farmers from global competition.

The U.S. president wants to see a level playing field with Europe on the trade front, and more jobs for American workers. His America First approach is strongly backed by blue-collar, working-class voters who propelled him back to power last November.

Trump is also driven by ideology, with a deep-seated distrust of supranationalism, big government and socialism, all of which run through the veins of the EU. 

As Elon Musk put it so eloquently, the EU’s Brussels headquarters is a giant “cathedral to bureaucracy” hamstrung by red tape, heavy taxes and over regulation—one that seeks to exert its authority as well over U.S. companies operating in Europe. 

Trump shares with Europe’s rising national conservative parties the view that far too much power is in the hands of Brussels and that sovereignty and self-determination is under threat.

In his first term, Trump was a huge supporter of Brexit, which he believed help pave the way for his own historic win against Hillary Clinton in 2016. 

Britain’s exit from the EU was a political revolution against arrogant and unelected bureaucrats that had lorded it over the British people for decades. 

Trump’s team was inspired by the Brexit victory, and the triumph of the Brexiteers played a vital role in challenging the globalist elites who were deeply entrenched in Washington as well.

>>> The European Right Is Learning From the Trump Tornado

Trump is America’s first Eurosceptic president and the only American president to actively stand up to the European Project. He should be applauded for doing so. 

The United Kingdom should also warmly welcome Trump’s approach on Europe. The U.S. president is the most pro-British since Ronald Reagan, and his skepticism of the EU will benefit America’s closest friend and ally. 

Brexit Britain will likely avoid the tariffs that are heading towards the EU, and Trump has already highlighted the strong possibility of a trade agreement between London and Washington, a deal that would advance job creation and economic growth in both the U.S. and UK.

Instead of trying to curry favor with Brussels and move the UK back towards realignment with the European Union, Keir Starmer should be strengthening British ties with the United States and outflanking the EU.

Donald Trump recognizes that the EU is in steep decline, and that Europe would be better off free of its shackles. This refreshing and realistic approach by the U.S. President is long overdue. 

Like the British people in 2016, Americans increasingly hold that the European Union does not advance their interests, and stands against the principles of liberty and sovereignty that are the foundations of the English-speaking world. 

This piece originally appeared in The Telegraph

By Nile Gardiner, PhD

Read Original Article on Heritage.org

The Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundationhttps://www.heritage.org/
The Heritage Foundation formulates and promotes public policies based on free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional values, and strong national defense.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

If Federal Food Assistance Programs End, Theft Begins

Many patriotic Americans well versed in American History have...

Tucker EN FUEGO: Taking Stock of MAGA, Ten Years on

Draining of the Swamp has yet to come anything close to fruition, as the creatures that populate said Swamp yet cling bitterly to power.

Dallas Doctor Surrenders License After Texas AG Sues for Prescribing Gender Transition Drugs to Minors

Doctor surrendered her medical license following lawsuit by Texas AG Paxton, accusing her of illegally prescribing gender transition drugs to minors.

June Lockhart, Beloved Mother Figure From ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space,’ Dies at 100

June Lockhart, a mother figure for a generation of TV viewers whether at home in “Lassie” or in the stratosphere in “Lost in Space,” has died at 100.

Kamala Harris Teases New White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’

Kamala Harris hinted in a BBC interview that she may run for president again in 2028, saying she hasn’t ruled out another White House bid.

TCM Classic Tour at Warner Bros. Studio: Finding Stardust in Today’s Hollywood

Warner Bros. launched the TCM Classic Films Tour in April 2024, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the studio’s historic movie legacy.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central