Key facts
- Europeans should convince U.S. President Donald Trump that they and Ukraine are winning the war to ensure continued U.S. support.
- Trump prioritizes being associated with popular and 'cool' figures, regardless of their political views.
- Trump's approach to figures like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani demonstrates his focus on popularity over ideology.
- Martin suggested that if enough people convince Trump that Russia is losing and Ukraine is succeeding, it could influence U.S. support.
European nations should focus on demonstrating that Ukraine is winning the war to secure continued U.S. support under President Donald Trump, according to POLITICO's U.S. politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin. Speaking at the Playbook Live event in Brussels on Tuesday, Martin explained that Trump's approach to international relations is driven by a desire to align with perceived 'winners' and popular figures, rather than strict ideology.