Trade deliberations between the Trump administration and the European Union have intensified, garnering considerable attention, particularly from America’s right-wing community which often perceives the EU more as an adversary than an ally. This perspective has been accentuated by the U.S. right’s notable markers such as the ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan, a disfavor towards immigration, and an adoration of tax reductions. Over the past few years, an understated commonality in their narratives has emerged that can potentially redesign global alliances and trade patterns. One crucial aspect of this narrative is their pronounced disapproval of the European Union.
The skepticism concerning the European Union extends to popular conservative television in the U.S, where commentators often argue that Europeans largely do not align with U.S. values. Laura Ingraham, a conservative TV presenter, indicated such sentiments earlier this year pointing out differing views on policies related to climate, freedom of speech, and the right to own firearms. These divergences, she argued, could lead to ‘economic ruin’.
Disapproval of the EU’s approach to governance existed among Republicans long before the Trump era. They criticized the EU for its bureaucratic nature, endorsing regulations too readily, and its apparent liberal position on issues such as climate change. However, in the period of Trump’s administration, this disapproval has considerably intensified. Recent surveys indicate a rising sentiment among American conservatives, who regard the EU ‘very unfavorably’—a figure that has surged from 14 percent in 2020 to 18 percent in the following year.
The U.S, a traditional ally to the European nations, has seemingly transitioned to viewing Europe in light of a geopolitical competitor as they shape their evolving relationship. Senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, comments on this shift, stating that the U.S. right’s animosity towards the EU also reflects President Trump’s own position. Consequently, the fiery trading encounters involving the U.S. and EU can be expected to take a turn for the worse.
Although the U.S. has agreed on a structure for a prospective trade deal with Britain, parallel progress with the 27-member European Union has been less fruitful. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on European imports, purportedly to highlight stalled negotiations, have been temporarily postponed until early July amidst ongoing legal action. The groundwork for an agreement to prevent further escalation remains uncertain.
Europe’s larger economy compared to Britain gives it greater market leverage. This factor has caused European officials to resist concessions agreed upon by London. Furthermore, conversations between Europe and the U.S. have proven to be challenging. Recently, the U.S. Treasury and Commerce secretaries proposed that engaging in discussions with individual nations such as Germany would be more feasible, blaming the EU’s bureaucracy for hindering a trade deal.
A distinction towards European nations individually and a less favorable attitude towards the bloc has become characteristic of the Trump administration. While Trump has continually engaged with European national leaders, he shied away from interacting with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, until recently. The Commission is tasked with undertaking trade negotiations.
Mr. Trump has verbally expressed affection for European countries, attributing this to his ancestral roots. However, he claimed that the European Union was created to outmaneuver the United States. Despite the strength possessed by individual European nations due to their unity within the EU, the U.S. has historically maintained a strong alliance with European powers. This alliance has predominantly revolved around defense and diplomacy – a relationship presumably facing sustained disruption.
Brando Benifei, who chairs the delegation for relations with the U.S. at the European Parliament, refers to the current U.S. stand towards Europe as ‘very hostile’. Meanwhile, the European Commission’s president, Ms. von der Leyen, cautioned Europe about relying on the assumption that current predicaments would be resolved with an end to the trade war, a tariff agreement, or a change in the election outcome.
Modern conservatives have repeatedly criticized the European Union, contrasting with former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s ‘ideals of the West’ speech delivered to the European Parliament four decades ago. Ignacio García Bercero, a former top trade negotiator at the European Commission and current fellow at Bruegel, a think tank, notes a newly found assertiveness against the European Union.
Domineering complaints from Republicans regarding the European Union center around bureaucracy and regulation. Claims of censorship have arisen as the EU pressed social media platforms to monitor their content more vigilantly. Additionally, the EU’s more stringent regulations of substantial tech firms, support of renewable energy sources, and approach to climate change further fuel Republicans’ dissatisfaction.
The European Union’s choice to unite 27 diverse nations and reinforce their national identities has provided the political right in the U.S., which places great emphasis on promoting American identity, another point of contention. Defense spending in Europe has also recently come under scrutiny, with Republicans and even some Democrats arguing that European nations aren’t contributing enough.
The mutual discord between the U.S. and the EU has given rise to unsettling perceptions from both sides. An upsetting reality for Mr. Trump is the trade imbalance, where the EU exports more goods to the U.S. than it receives. Moreover, a survey found that approximately half of Europeans consider Trump an ‘enemy of Europe’.
Paradoxically, Trump has supporters among those Europeans skeptical about the EU. These supporters are often affiliated with the ‘Make America Great Again’ movement. Since the 2016 Brexit referendum, and more recently, there has been the emergence of populist leaders across Europe echoing Mr. Trump’s views. They question the EU’s reach in areas like freedom of speech and climate regulation, criticize immigration policies, and promote national interests over multilateralism.
Proponents of Trump’s ideology, prominent in nations like Hungary, are leveraging his movement to gain traction. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban highlighted the alliance at a recent meeting of right-wing politicians, crystallizing the growing interests of populist leaders throughout the continent.