Republican candidate Donald Trump has won the U.S. election for the second time, snatching key battleground states from Kamala Harris’s clutches. As Trump 2.0 becomes a reality, Europe is poised to enter a new geopolitical and trade quagmire with its biggest trading partner.
The new U.S. president has promised to make his potential term in office the “golden age of America.” That’s a loaded statement—especially for countries in Europe that rely on U.S. trade.
Trump has repeatedly teased hiking trade tariffs by 10% to 20% (which he touts as the “most beautiful word”) to protect America’s domestic manufacturing industry. But that will make European goods more expensive and less appealing to American buyers.
During his first term in office, Trump imposed tariffs on European aluminium and steel. While President Joe Biden subsequently suspended the tariffs, they haven’t been scrapped yet.
The pro-Trump club and its right-ward push is yet another cause for concern in Europe. Recent elections in the region have already shown the growing power of right-wing leaders, including in The Netherlands and Hungary.
How Trump addresses the Russia-Ukraine war could also add to Europe’s litany of problems. He has previously blamed Ukraine for starting the war, vowed to stop funding its defense efforts, and has also promised to put an end to it in a single day.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sees Trump’s win as a chance to “reset” the country’s relations with the U.S. That could either end well for Europe as it continues to lean on America’s defense guarantees or turn awry as it fights to secure its borders with limited support from its transatlantic pal.
