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.
Martin cited Trump's friendly relations with Zohran Mamdani, the left-wing mayor of New York City, as an example. He argued that Trump's engagement with Mamdani, whose political views are ostensibly antithetical to Trumpism, stems from Mamdani being 'young, good-looking, articulate — he’s hot. He’s the new item.' Trump, Martin stated, 'wants to be with the winners of life.'
This focus on popularity extends to international figures, Martin suggested, noting that Trump would align with 'cool' or 'in club' individuals, whether it be Mamdani or Russian President Vladimir Putin. The implication for Europe, Martin elaborated, is that if they can convince Trump that Russia is losing the war and Ukraine is succeeding, particularly with advancements in drone technology and significant Russian casualties, they might secure continued American backing.