President Donald Trump sharply criticized European nations as “weak” and “decaying” in an interview with Politico published Tuesday, warning that unchecked migration is undermining the continent and raising doubts about future US alliances.
He suggested that some European countries could cease to be viable partners if current trends continue, while repeatedly urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a peace deal that includes territorial concessions to Russia.
In sometimes halting remarks, Trump described European immigration policy as a “disaster” and claimed large cities such as London and Paris have become “much different” places.
He singled out London Mayor Sadiq Khan for criticism and said migrants arriving from Africa and elsewhere hold “a totally different ideology” that is weakening the continent.
The president linked these changes to broader questions about Europe’s reliability as an ally, saying of current leaders: “It depends” whether they can remain partners, adding that political correctness has left them unable to act decisively.
Several European officials swiftly rejected the remarks and the administration’s new National Security Strategy, which warned of possible “civilisational erasure” on the continent due to migration.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called parts of the US document “unacceptable” and said Europe does not need Washington to “save” its democracy.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the strategy as a provocation, while European Council President António Costa said any US threat to interfere in European politics was unacceptable.
Trump insisted Russia holds the “upper hand” in the war and told Zelenskyy to “play ball” by ceding territory, claiming European nations have failed to end the conflict despite extensive talks.
Ukraine is preparing a revised peace proposal for Washington that avoids territorial losses, while European allies work to protect Kyiv’s interests in any US-led settlement.