In brief
As Donald J. Trump returns to the presidency, Europe braces for change, uncertain of the implications for transatlantic relations and global policies.
As Donald J. Trump was sworn in as President on January 20, 2025, a vibrant gathering of Ukrainian business professionals watched the ceremony unfold from a party in Davos, Switzerland, amid the World Economic Forum. The atmosphere was electric, with attendees reflecting a sense of anticipation regarding Trump’s supportive stance towards Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia—despite his historic criticism of U.S. military expenditures in the region. The enthusiasm exhibited by attendees at the event, which featured symbolic red-and-blue cheeseburgers, belied the underlying anxiety rippling throughout Europe. Andy Hunder, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, optimistically stated, “We expect President Trump to surprise us, but we do not know what the surprise will be.” Such sentiments underline the precariousness felt by European business and political leaders as they engage with a newly-installed American president whose policies are poised for upheaval.Leading up to his inauguration, the European Commission established an informal “Trump task force” tasked with preparing strategies to adapt to potential shifts in U.S. trade and foreign relations policies. The extent of Trump’s proposed changes is profound, with looming threats of significant tariffs on European goods and a demand for increased European defense expenditure. In his first acts as president, Trump signaled intentions to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accords and the World Health Organization, stirring concerns about international cooperation on critical global issues. Notably, one of the most pressing concerns for Europe is Trump’s evolving approach to the situation in Ukraine; during his campaign, he had suggested an end to the conflict on his inaugural day in office, but specifics around this promise remain ambiguous as his administration settles in. As Europe navigates this renewed phase of American leadership, leaders find themselves caught between hopeful optimism and the stark realities of unpredictability, facing the daunting task of aligning strategies with a White House known for radical and often unexpected policy shifts.
