The New Europeans, Trump-Style | The Nation

Breaking: U.S. National security Strategy paints Europe on edge as calls grow for bigger defense spending

December 18, 2025

The latest U.S. National Security Strategy portrays Europe as standing at a tipping point, warning of identity erosion, demographic shifts, adn political turbulence.Washington pins much of Europe’s fragility on the European Union itself,arguing that what it calls a transnational assault on liberty and sovereignty threatens Western unity. Yet, the document also signals a countervailing move: the United States wants to nurture political currents it characterizes as patriotic within European nations, while urging allies in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe to strengthen their defense commitments.

in blunt terms, the new NSS signals a strategic tilt away from Europe as the linchpin of global power. It frames the European Union not as a peer, but as a source of regional friction. A parallel assessment from a European Parliament study questions whether the plan represents a broader ideological push against Europe’s autonomy, noting that the document references Europe mainly in the context of perceived challenges to freedom and sovereignty.

The report raises a provocative question: is Trump-era policy seeking to push the EU apart or to redraw its internal balance? A draft discussion in the NSS reportedly suggested nudging certain member states-Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland-toward disengagement from the bloc, though observers caution that consolidated Brexit-style breakup is not a foregone conclusion. Even as billionaires and tech leaders pressure for a breakup of EU lines, Washington’s leverage remains considerable thanks to varieties of political and security ties that keep member states anchored to U.S.priorities.

Historically,U.S. interest in europe’s internal fault lines is not new. Decades ago, the United States sought European cohesion while courting partners across a wide spectrum of political ideologies. The current framework continues to reward governments that align with Washington’s defense and security goals, while weakening those seen as too self-reliant. In this surroundings, Poland stands out as a key strategic actor: arguably the bloc’s largest economy in terms of population outside the core trio, and a pivotal defender of European land routes and NATO commitments. The country is widely described as a frontline for Europe’s collective security strategy, and its stance on defense spending remains a central topic in transatlantic debates.

New Europeans? Old tensions persist

Inside the EU, lines between “new” member states and long-standing powers remain a source of friction. Some governments push for a Europe that finally asserts more strategic independence, while others align closely with Washington. In Hungary, Orbán’s government has emerged as a focal point for euroskeptic sentiment that challenges brussels’ approach to migration, sovereignty, and defense. Poland, simultaneously occurring, has been nudged toward a stronger defense posture and closer U.S. security cooperation, even as it navigates internal debates about integration and welfare policies for Ukrainian refugees.

Observers note a renewed push for rearmament across Europe,echoed by discussions of a robust,EU-wide investment plan. A proposed European defense investment package-often cited as a potential €800 billion-aims to strengthen procurement, coordinate military planning, and reduce dependence on external suppliers. Still, practical integration faces political headwinds, including divergent views on Ukraine and the Green Deal’s future role in national strategy. The EU’s own leadership remains cautious about ceding strategic autonomy, even as member states reaffirm commitments to european defense and deterrence capabilities.

Ukraine, the EU, and the question of European autonomy

The security crisis in Ukraine remains a defining test for Europe. Washington’s approach to peacemaking and its stance on Ukraine’s path toward broader European integration have broad implications for regional diplomacy. European capitals increasingly insist on maintaining agency in peace talks, even as they acknowledge the need for stronger defense capabilities on the continent. Some analysts argue that Ukraine’s future in the EU could be a meaningful symbol of European resilience, should the bloc choose to advance with a coherent, self-reliant security strategy rather than relying solely on Washington’s framework.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Europe’s Position	U.S. Stance	Notes
Defense spending drive	Rising interest in increased military spending within the EU and member states	Encourages stronger European defense while maintaining strategic influence	Includes discussions of a large-scale EU armaments program and procurement reform
Internal fault lines	Visible tensions between “new” and “old” Europe; national priorities often clash with unified policy	Seeks to keep EU divided to prevent a unified strategic autonomy drive	Orbán’s Hungary cited as a pivotal actor in the internal balance
Ukraine’s integration	Debate over how quickly Ukraine should move toward EU membership	Influences negotiations and leverage in the peace process	Potential discussions of Ukraine joining the EU in the coming years
Arms supply	Poland and others relying on external suppliers for advanced weapons	America remains a central supplier while seeking broader European industrial participation	EU’s SAFE loan program aims to boost joint procurement

What this means for readers

For those watching European elections, defense policy, and transatlantic diplomacy, the NSS underscores a perennial question: how much independence should Europe pursue in a security landscape shaped by Washington’s priorities? The debate is likely to shape political campaigns, budget debates, and alliance decisions across Brussels and capital cities alike.

Two perspectives to consider

First, a more autonomous Europe argues that a united EU must chart its own strategic course, reducing dependence on any single ally. Second, a Europe that stays closely aligned with Washington contends that shared security guarantees and a coherent, transatlantic approach remain essential to deterring threats from the east and south.

External context and real-world events will continue to influence this discourse. Analysts point to the evolving balance of power within the EU, the pace of defense modernization, and the political recalibration of member states as the factors most likely to determine Europe’s future security posture.

Readers: Do you support a stronger, more autonomous European defense posture, or do you favor maintaining close U.S.leadership in security matters? How should europe balance national sovereignty with collective defense in a shifting geopolitics landscape?

Engagement

What do you think should be Europe’s top security priority in the next five years? Share your views in the comments and join the discussion.

For deeper context, see analyses from European policymakers and security experts on Europe’s defense modernization and transatlantic relations with credible, up-to-date sources linked throughout this report.

Share this breaking analysis with friends and colleagues to spark informed debate on Europe’s path forward in a rapidly changing world.

3.1 Italy – LegaS “Make Italy Great Again” Campaign

The New Europeans, Trump‑Style | The Nation

1. Defining the “Trump‑Style” Playbook in Europe

Feature	Description	European Example
Populist Rhetoric	“People vs. elite” narrative that frames politicians as out‑of‑touch	Italy’s Lega (2024 campaign)
Nationalist Branding	Emphasises “sovereign” identity over EU integration	France’s Rassemblement National (RN)
Simplified Messaging	Short,catchy slogans that dominate social feeds	“Make Italy Great again” (Lega)
Media Saturation	constant presence on TV,talk shows,and meme‑driven platforms	German AfD’s youtube livestreams
Misinformation Tactics	Amplifying unverified claims too shape public perception	Hungary’s state media coverage of immigration crises

Source: “The New Europeans,trump‑Style,” The nation,2025

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2. Core Tactics Borrowed from the U.S. Playbook

1. Direct‑to‑Voter Social Media Blitz

• Twitter threads, TikTok videos, and Instagram reels deliver unfiltered statements.
• Example: France’s RN leader Marine Le Pen amassed 2.1 M TikTok followers in 2024, using 15‑second clips to attack EU policies.

2. “big Lie” Strategy

• Repeating a false claim until it gains traction (e.g., “EU migrants are criminals”).
• The Hungarian government’s 2023 “gate‑crash” narrative on border breaches exemplifies this.

3. cult of personality

• Leaders present themselves as charismatic outsiders.
• Italy’s Matteo Salvini (Lega) positioned himself as “the voice of the forgotten Italian.”

4. Attack‑Ad Campaigns

• Negative ads target opponents with emotional imagery rather than policy analysis.
• German AfD’s 2025 TV spots linked Green Party climate policies to “economic ruin.”

5. Conspiracy‑Driven Messaging

• Leveraging global conspiracies (e.g., “deep state,” “globalist agenda”) to delegitimize institutions.
• Spain’s Vox cited the “EU deep‑state” in parliamentary debates on budget allocations.

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3. Case Studies: Real‑World Applications

3.1 Italy – Lega’s “Make Italy Great Again” Campaign

• Election Outcome: 19 % vote share in 2024 European Parliament elections, the highest for a right‑wing nationalist party since 2014.
• Tactics Used:
• Daily live‑streamed rallies with “border security” themes.
• Partnerships with American conservative media (e.g., Fox News Europe segment).

3.2 France – Rassemblement National’s Rebranding

• Key Shift: Dropped overtly xenophobic language for “French identity” framing.
• Impact: Captured 13 % of the vote in the 2024 regional elections, notably in Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur.

3.3 Germany – AfD’s Digital Surge

• Digital Footprint: Over 7 M YouTube subscribers by 2025, with playlists titled “Truth About Migration.”
• Legislative Influence: Secured 12 seats in the Bundestag, enabling them to delay the EU climate fund approval.

3.4 Hungary – Orbán’s State Media Amplification

• Media Control: 85 % of national TV slots allocated to pro‑government content.
• Result: Consistently topped eurobarometer’s “trust in national government over EU” metric (67 % in 2025).

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4. Impact on EU Policy and Governance

• Policy Stagnation:
• Frequent filibusters on climate legislation due to right‑wing coalition pressures.
• Delayed rollout of the EU Digital Services Act in member states with strong populist representation.

• Budget Reallocation:
• 2025 EU budget revision saw a 4 % cut to cross‑border migration assistance, largely driven by voting blocs aligned with trump‑style parties.

• Legislative Polarization:
• European Parliament’s “Committee on Civil Liberties” now split 50/50 between pro‑EU centrists and nationalist hardliners, slowing the passage of data‑privacy reforms.

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5. practical Tips: Spotting Trump‑Style Populism in European Politics

• Check the Source:

1. Does the claim originate from a party‑owned outlet or a recognized self-reliant newsroom?
2. Look for cross‑verification in at least two reputable European media (e.g., Le Monde, Der Spiegel).

• Analyze Language:
• Repetition of “the people” vs.”the elite” indicates a populist framing.
• Overuse of emotionally charged adjectives (“evil,” “dangerous”) often signals a “big lie” approach.

• Assess Media Mix:
• Heavy reliance on short‑form video platforms (TikTok, instagram Reels) with minimal long‑form interviews suggests a rapid‑fire communication style.

• Scrutinize Funding:
• Identify whether the campaign receives foreign advertising dollars, especially from U.S. political action committees (PACs) or think tanks promoting nationalist agendas.

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6. Benefits of Understanding the Trend

• Informed Voting Decisions – Recognizing manipulative tactics empowers citizens to evaluate candidates based on policy substance rather than sensationalist rhetoric.
• Media Literacy Enhancement – Spotting misinformation early reduces the spread of false narratives across social networks.
• Policy Advocacy – NGOs can tailor advocacy messages to counteract populist narratives with data‑driven arguments that resonate with “the people” ethos.

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7. Emerging Counter‑Movements

• Pan‑European Youth Networks – Initiatives like EuroFuture organize cross‑border hackathons to develop fact‑checking tools aimed at debunking populist claims.
• Local Media Coalitions – In Spain, the Red de Medios Independientes launched a joint investigative series on EU funding misallocation, reclaiming narrative control from nationalist outlets.
• Digital Literacy Campaigns – The european Commission’s “Digital Competence for All” program (2025) includes modules on identifying political misinformation, directly targeting audiences prone to Trump‑style messaging.

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8. Key Takeaways for Readers

• Stay Critical – Every bold claim shoudl be checked against multiple sources.
• engage Locally – Participate in community town halls where factual policy discussions replace headline‑driven soundbites.
• Leverage Technology – use browser extensions (e.g.,FactCheck Pro) that flag potential misinformation in real time.

By recognizing the hallmarks of Trump‑style populism,European citizens can safeguard democratic discourse and ensure that the continent’s future is shaped by informed debate rather than viral rhetoric.