Key facts
- European nationalist leaders are distancing themselves from U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Trump's past policies, including tariff wars and actions related to the Iran war, have negatively impacted his standing in Europe.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French politician Jordan Bardella have publicly expressed negative sentiments towards Trump.
- Polling data suggests that while right-wing voters may have a higher opinion of Trump than the general population, a minority see him as a friend of Europe.
- Poland's Law and Justice party remains aligned with Trump, seeing strategic benefits in maintaining a close relationship.
Nationalist leaders across Europe are reassessing their alliances with U.S. President Donald Trump, viewing his support as a political liability rather than an asset ahead of major elections in 2027. Trump's past actions, including tariff disputes and interventions in foreign conflicts, have soured his brand in the European Union.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, once considered a key ally, publicly rebuked Trump after he commented on her popularity, stating that his friendship had not helped her standing. Similarly, Jordan Bardella, a leading candidate for French president, rejected Trump's backing and described his behavior as erratic.
Polling data from Cluster17 across seven EU countries indicates that while right-wing voters generally hold a more favorable view of Trump than the general population, only a minority consider him a 'friend of Europe.' Surveys also show declining agreement that the U.S. is a reliable ally among voters of parties like the AfD in Germany and the National Rally in France.
The shift away from Trump is particularly awkward for Washington, as the White House has previously expressed support for these patriotic European parties. The administration, including Vice President JD Vance, had actively courted these movements.
However, the political romance appears to be ending. In Germany, the AfD has reportedly scaled back trips to the U.S. due to concerns about Trump's influence. In contrast, Poland's Law and Justice party continues to maintain ties with Trump, seeing it as beneficial for internal politics and national security, particularly regarding U.S. military presence.
Jean-Yves Dormagen, president of the Cluster17 polling institute, described Trump's embrace as a 'poisoned gift,' noting that while electorates are divided, they increasingly perceive him as a threat.