Trump Accused of Undermining EU Defense & Unity | POLITICO

The U.S. National Security Strategy is being viewed by some as exhibiting antagonism toward the European Union, stemming not from ideological differences but from strategic considerations about potential economic and political challenges to American influence, according to analysis of the strategy.

U.S. Strategy and European Unity

A recent analysis points to passages within the U.S. National Security Strategy that urge Washington to “cultivate resistance” within European countries and collaborate with nationalist parties opposing greater integration. This language has been interpreted as evidence the U.S. is prepared “to fight against the European Union, against our strength through unity.”

Former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius wrote that the U.S. now perceives a more unified EU as a potential competitor to American influence.

The analysis links the strategy’s perspective to the ideas of Elbridge Colby, a senior Pentagon official, whose book “The Strategy of Denial” argues the U.S. must prevent any region from becoming a dominant power that could limit American market access.

Colby identifies “the European Union or a more cohesive entity emerging from it” as capable of establishing regional dominance and potentially hindering U.S. trade and engagement.

According to Kubilius, this strategic outlook, rather than disagreements over ideology, explains the unusually critical tone of the National Security Strategy toward Brussels.

“Let’s hope,” Kubilius concluded, “there will be enough prudence on American soil not to fight against the emerging power of European unity.”

In a recent interview with POLITICO, former President Trump denounced European leaders as “weak” and indicated he would support candidates in European elections, even if it caused friction.