Trump’s Endorsement of Orbán Highlights Shift in US-Europe Relations

Donald Trump has confirmed his support for controversial leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, representing a significant shift in traditional American approaches to European politics. The president’s endorsement comes alongside pressure on Ukraine for territorial concessions and inflammatory rhetoric about European immigration.
The Ukraine peace proposal Trump is advancing would require President Zelenskyy to accept land transfers to Russia within days. American diplomatic efforts have focused on achieving a deal before Christmas, with Trump publicly characterizing Russia as holding military advantages. The proposal offers unclear US security commitments in exchange for concrete territorial losses, raising questions about Ukrainian sovereignty.
Trump’s characterization of Europe employed explicitly racial framing regarding immigration and demographic change. He claimed that European nations are “destroying themselves” through immigration policies, specifically mentioning influxes from Africa and the Middle East. His language about cities becoming “not viable” due to diversity has been identified by analysts as echoing extremist conspiracy theories.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan again became a target of Trump’s personal attacks, with the president using severe insults while criticizing London’s changing character. Trump’s focus on demographic shifts and his harsh language toward London’s first Muslim mayor have been widely interpreted as connected issues. Khan characterized Trump’s continued attention as an inexplicable obsession.
The European response has been forceful and unified, with leaders rejecting Trump’s worldview and asserting their independence. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made clear that Europe can manage its own democratic affairs, while EU officials described American approaches as provocative interference. Trump’s endorsement of leaders like Orbán, who has clashed with EU institutions over democratic backsliding concerns, has particularly alarmed European officials. Pope Leo XIV joined political leaders in warning that Trump’s stance threatens the transatlantic alliance that has been fundamental to Western security.