As Tensions Escalate Between Trump and Europe, Meloni Is Caught in the Middle
Each new crisis, whether over Ukraine or tariffs, has made the Italian prime minister’s balancing act that much harder.
Each new crisis, whether over Ukraine or tariffs, has made the Italian prime minister’s balancing act that much harder.
Vice President JD Vance’s trip to an island that President Trump wants to “get” is a scaled-back version of the original White House plan. “He’s not welcome,” one Greenlander said.
European leaders are struggling to find the money and the political will to replace the bulk of the U.S. contribution to Ukraine and to their own defense.
Trump officials have demanded more European military spending and questioned the continent’s values. Leaked messages show the depth of the rift.
The call will be the first known conversation between the two leaders since Ukraine agreed to support a U.S.-backed monthlong cease-fire, as long as Russia does the same
The French president’s prescriptions for “strategic autonomy” and a European force for Ukraine are suddenly timely in a world with a less dependable America.
It remains to be seen how far President Trump’s embrace of Russia and abandonment of traditional allies will go. But “the West” may be gone.
It remains to be seen how far President Trump’s embrace of Russia and abandonment of traditional allies will go. But “the West” may be gone.
There is excitement about the potentially lucrative resources scattered around the island, especially the rare earths. But extreme weather, fired-up environmentalists and other factors have tempered hopes of a bonanza.
Debate is building over just how deep the Trump administration’s antagonism runs, and whether the real goal is to destroy the European Union.