U.S. President Donald Trump launched one of his most scathing attacks yet on U.S. European allies, branding the continent “decaying” and its political leadership “weak” during a sweeping interview in which he questioned Europe’s ability to manage migration, resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, and maintain political stability. Speaking with POLITICO, Trump signaled he would support like-minded candidates in European elections, vowed to impose his imprint on Western politics, and offered no reassurance that the United States would uphold traditional security commitments.

Trump Says Europe Has “Lost Its Way”

Trump described Europe as a bloc adrift, accusing its leaders of weakness, indecision, and excessive political correctness. He mocked major capitals—London and Paris among them—as overwhelmed by migration, warning that without drastic policy shifts, some states “will not be viable countries any longer.”

He took aim at London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, calling him “a disaster” and linking his political rise to immigration. His comments drew sharp rebukes from European officials defending their sovereignty and electoral independence.

A Direct Challenge to Europe’s Political Order

The president signaled he would not hesitate to endorse candidates in European elections, referencing his support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. European leaders warned that U.S. interference in domestic politics would cross a diplomatic red line, but Trump dismissed those concerns outright.

Ukraine and Russia: No Reassurances for Allies

As Kyiv fights to maintain international backing, Trump offered no commitment that the U.S. would continue supporting Ukraine’s defense. He asserted that Russia was “obviously stronger” and confirmed he had circulated a new draft peace proposal—one he claims Ukrainian officials have not fully evaluated.

He also revived calls for Ukraine to hold new elections, questioning the state of its democracy under President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump on NATO and Ukraine’s Early Approach

Trump argued that Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership contradicted what he described as a long-standing, informal understanding. According to him, tensions surrounding the alliance “predated Putin,” and he criticized President Zelensky’s initial meeting with the Russian leader.
Trump claimed Zelensky presented his demands bluntly, reportedly telling Putin: “I want two things. I want Crimea back and we’re going to be a member of NATO.” Trump added that Zelensky “didn’t say it in a very nice way either.”

Trump’s Remarks on Crimea’s Strategic Geography

Turning to Crimea, Trump offered a broad geographical assessment, characterizing the peninsula as both significant in size and uniquely positioned. He highlighted its coastline, climate and access points, saying:
“It’s surrounded on four sides by ocean. Crimea is massive, but it connects the part of Ukraine that we talk about now through a small little jetty. It’s four sides of ocean in the warmest part. It’s got the best weather, best everything.”

European Leaders Alarmed

European capitals, already unsettled by Washington’s new National Security Strategy, expressed renewed concern that Trump may abandon Ukraine entirely. Despite Zelensky’s recent consultations with European leaders, Trump suggested that “Europe talks, but doesn’t produce,” signaling impatience with ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Potential Military Escalation in Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela

Trump hinted he may broaden U.S. military operations against drug-linked networks, stating he would consider action in Mexico and Colombia and refusing to rule out deploying American troops to Venezuela. Even his pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández—convicted of drug-trafficking crimes—received little defense beyond Trump saying “very good people” had requested it.

In a brief but pointed remark, Trump addressed Venezuela’s political leadership, declaring that President Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power is weakening.
“His days are numbered,” Trump said, without elaborating on potential U.S. actions or diplomatic consequences.