Is Trump’s US becoming Europe’s new threat? By Thanos Kalamidas

When U.S. Vice President JD Vance took the stage at the NATO members’ meeting in Brussels, many expected a conventional address reaffirming America’s commitment to the alliance. Instead, what they heard left European leaders not only unsettled but deeply concerned about the future of transatlantic relations. In a speech that seemed more aligned with the rhetoric of European far-right nationalists than with the democratic principles on which NATO was founded, Vance’s remarks signaled a shift that could redefine the West’s political landscape in troubling ways.

Vance’s speech, ostensibly about reinforcing Western unity, was laden with nationalist undertones, warnings against “globalist elites,” and a barely veiled endorsement of reactionary elements within European politics. To many observers, his words mirrored the talking points of political movements that have long been associated with anti-immigration policies, xenophobia, and even outright neo-fascism.

European leaders, already wary of the growing influence of far-right parties across the continent, found themselves confronted with an uncomfortable reality: America, under its current leadership, might no longer be the stabilizing force it once was. Instead, Washington seemed poised to actively support the most extreme elements of Europe’s far-right, further emboldening groups that undermine democracy, promote intolerance, and threaten the unity of NATO itself.

The days when the U.S. took a firm stance against authoritarianism, whether from Moscow or within its own ranks of allies, appear to be waning. Under previous administrations, the U.S. played a crucial role in countering extremism, both through diplomacy and direct action. Now, the narrative is shifting. Vance’s rhetoric suggests that Washington is less interested in confronting extremism and more inclined to embrace certain factions as part of a broader ideological realignment.

This shift is not occurring in a vacuum. Across Europe, the far-right is on the rise, from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France to the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany, from Viktor Orbán’s Hungary to the Brothers of Italy. These movements, once relegated to the fringes, are now serious political contenders, shaping policies in ways that often contradict the core values of the European Union and NATO.

By appearing to align with these forces, the U.S. risks fueling a dangerous trend: the normalization of extremist rhetoric and the weakening of democratic institutions across the Western world. The implications for NATO, an alliance built on collective defense and shared democratic values, could be dire.

The irony is inescapable: while NATO was established to counter external threats, particularly from the Soviet Union and now from Russia’s aggressive expansionism, the alliance may soon find itself grappling with a challenge from within. If America, historically NATO’s most powerful member, shifts from being a pillar of stability to an enabler of extremism, the entire structure could begin to fracture.

NATO’s strength lies in unity, in the shared commitment to liberal democracy, and in the rejection of ideologies that seek to divide and conquer. Yet, if Washington’s leadership openly endorses figures and movements that are fundamentally opposed to these principles, how long before the alliance itself begins to splinter?

Europeans are not naïve. They have seen what happens when extremism takes hold—history is replete with examples of how unchecked nationalism can lead to disaster. The fear now is that rather than acting as a bulwark against such forces, the U.S. may be on the verge of amplifying them.

Faced with this unsettling development, European leaders must make difficult choices. If the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner in upholding democratic norms, Europe may have to take the lead in preserving those values. That means strengthening the EU’s own security mechanisms, reinforcing its commitment to democratic governance, and pushing back against extremist forces—whether they are homegrown or emboldened by Washington.

It also means making it clear to the U.S. that its current trajectory is unacceptable. Diplomatic pressure, strategic partnerships outside of NATO, and even economic consequences must all be considered. If Washington continues down this path, Europe cannot afford to simply watch from the sidelines.

Vice President JD Vance’s speech in Brussels was more than just another political address, it was a warning sign. A sign that the U.S. may no longer be the steadfast ally of democratic Europe, but rather a potential catalyst for its unraveling. If America chooses to align itself with the forces of far-right nationalism, the consequences will be felt far beyond NATO headquarters.