What should you do if you find out your closest friend is mistreating their partner at home? This is a question European leaders—and all of us in Europe—should be asking ourselves as we watch, often in stunned silence, while Donald Trump attacks the foundations of American democracy.
For the past nine months, European leaders have stayed quiet, avoided confrontation, and resorted to flattery, appeasement, and extravagant promises to keep the U.S. president cooperative and committed to European security. The urgent need for Trump to stand with Europe against Russia’s war in Ukraine—or at least not side with Vladimir Putin—has pushed them to accept unrealistic defense spending goals and unfair trade conditions. But what has been gained?
No European leader has publicly challenged Trump’s exaggerated claims of ending eight wars in eight months, nor criticized his dismantling of the rules-based global trade system, his attacks on the United Nations, or his use of tariffs to settle political scores worldwide.
The only time European leaders briefly spoke out was when J.D. Vance used the Munich Security Conference to launch a harsh critique of European democracy. Vance accused U.S. allies of suppressing free speech and claimed he was more concerned about Europe abandoning its core values than about threats from Russia or China. To emphasize his support for anti-immigrant hate speech under the guise of free expression, he met with far-right German AfD leader Alice Weidel during an election campaign and snubbed then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Now, as millions of Americans protest Trump’s authoritarian tendencies at home, isn’t it time for European leaders to speak up and demonstrate moral independence by expressing support for U.S. democracy and those defending it?
This isn’t to suggest that European criticism would change the course of events in the U.S.—such as the erosion of checks and balances, the dismantling of USAID, crackdowns on universities and the justice system, or the alarming use of the military against domestic “enemies.”
While the U.S. has protected European security for 80 years and deserves our lasting gratitude, Europeans cannot safeguard American democracy. What they can and must do is protect liberal democracy in Europe, which is at risk of becoming collateral damage from Trump’s domestic and foreign policies.
What happens in America doesn’t stay there—it often foreshadows trends in Europe. Just as the #MeToo and “woke” movements spread from the U.S. to Europe, the rising tide of illiberalism and repression in Washington is already reaching European shores, visible in countries like Hungary and Serbia. By condemning Trump’s attacks on the independence of U.S. institutions—the civil service, courts, media, and military—and his efforts to criminalize dissent, European leaders would be upholding the values of the rule of law, separation of powers, and liberal democracy that they have a duty to defend at home.
If Elon Musk can use his social media platform and vast wealth to influence German elections in favor of the far-right AfD—or back anti-Islam extremist Tommy Robinson in British politics—then surely Europeans can also make their voices heard in U.S. politics. We can offer support and practical cooperation to American states, cities, and courts that share our values, andWe should offer vocal support to American advocates for freedom. Our governments and regions can form partnerships with like-minded U.S. states and localities on climate action, civil rights, and development aid. We can provide jobs, visas, and scholarships to U.S. scientists and academics affected by Trump’s cuts to research funding. Europe would only benefit from this self-inflicted American brain drain.
Thankfully, the widespread No Kings protests across U.S. towns and cities remained peaceful, despite Trump deploying armed forces in Washington DC, Los Angeles, Memphis, Portland, and other areas, and attempting to mobilize the National Guard in 19 states. However, after labeling his left-wing opponents as “domestic terrorists,” there is a growing risk that Trump will follow through on his threat to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act, granting him broad powers to use the military against American protesters.
The last time the U.S. military was used for domestic policing against demonstrations was under Richard Nixon in 1970, when the National Guard killed four students at Kent State University in Ohio who were protesting the draft and U.S. military intervention in Cambodia. An earlier example of deadly force against peaceful protesters occurred in Selma, Alabama, in 1965, when state and local police violently dispersed civil rights marches by Black Americans demanding the right to vote without obstruction. On both occasions, European media condemned the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, but European governments remained silent, adhering to the principle of non-interference in an ally’s affairs.
Now, with the U.S. administration and its wealthy allies freely intervening to support hate speech and its promoters in Europe while opposing EU digital regulations, there is no reason to stay silent. On the contrary, defending European liberal democracy begins by acknowledging when it is threatened by our closest ally.
Paul Taylor is a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the call for Europe to formally condemn Donald Trumps actions designed with clear questions and direct answers
General BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What does assault on democracy mean in this context
It refers to actions that undermine the fundamental principles of a democratic system such as refusing to accept certified election results spreading disinformation about electoral fraud and encouraging efforts to overturn an election
2 Why should Europe get involved in US politics Isnt that meddling
This isnt about meddling in daytoday politics Its about defending shared democratic values When democracy is threatened in a major allied nation it has global consequences making it a matter of international concern
3 What are diplomatic formalities
These are the traditional often cautious rules of international relations They include using careful neutral language and avoiding public criticism of allies to maintain stable relationships even when disagreeing with their actions
4 What would a condemnation actually look like
It could range from official joint statements from the EU or individual countries to leaders giving speeches that explicitly label the actions as an attack on democratic norms Its a public formal disapproval
5 Hasnt Europe criticized the US before Whats different now
Yes there have been policy disagreements The key difference is that this is about the core health of American democracy itself which is the foundation of the transatlantic alliance
Advanced Strategic Questions
6 What are the potential risks for Europe if it openly condemns Trump
The main risk is alienating a significant portion of the American public and a potential future Trump administration which could retaliate by weakening cooperation on trade security and global challenges
7 What are the risks of not condemning these actions
Staying silent could be seen as endorsing or normalizing antidemocratic behavior It weakens Europes moral authority to promote democracy elsewhere and may embolden antidemocratic forces within Europe itself
8 Isnt this just a political stunt that will further divide people
Proponents argue it is a necessary stance of principle not a stunt While it may be divisive the argument is that the defense of democratic institutions is more important than shortterm political harmony
