According to an analysis published by The New York Times, the political brand of U.S. President Donald Trump has declined significantly in Europe, to the point where it is now triggering unusual political alignments between ideological opponents.
The article, written by Katrin Bennhold and Jason Horowitz, argues that Trump’s return to the White House was initially welcomed by parts of Europe’s nationalist right, which saw his leadership as validation of anti-immigration and anti-elite politics. However, this early enthusiasm has reportedly faded due to a series of controversial policies and geopolitical actions.
These include aggressive tariff policies, threats regarding Greenland, military escalation involving Iran, and broader tensions that have contributed to global energy instability. The report also highlights criticism directed at Trump over comments targeting religious figures, including the Pope, which further strained his image in parts of Europe.
The analysis suggests that Trump has now become politically “toxic” across much of the continent, with both left-wing and right-wing leaders increasingly distancing themselves from him.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reportedly used opposition to Trump as a political tool, strengthening his domestic support while positioning himself as a prominent critic of U.S. foreign policy. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, previously seen as ideologically closer to Trump, has also distanced herself following disputes over trade, foreign policy, and remarks directed at the Vatican.
The article also notes a broader trend across Europe, with political figures such as Nigel Farage in the UK and members of Germany’s AfD showing signs of cooling their previous alignment with Trump.
Overall, the analysis concludes that Trump’s influence in Europe has shifted from a unifying figure for the nationalist right to a divisive force that now, paradoxically, brings together both progressive and conservative opponents.
