Trump: I want Europe to strengthen up, it has gone woke

Trump: I want Europe to strengthen up, it has gone woke

Trump Administration Presses Europe to Strengthen Economically and Militarily Amid "Woke" Criticisms

The Trump administration has intensified calls for Europe to address what it describes as complacency in economic, security, and migration policies, framing its approach as a wake-up call for the continent. U.S. Ambassador Andrew Puzder stated that Trump's policies have "jolted Europe into action," emphasizing the need for greater alignment on immigration and economic strategies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent speech at the Munich Security Conference, which highlighted transatlantic cooperation, was praised as a step toward reinforcing this alignment.

Central to the administration's critique is the argument that Europe's "woke" policies—particularly on immigration and climate—undermine its economic and societal stability. Puzder noted that mass migration has created "civilizational challenges" and diverged from U.S. values, despite declining migrant arrivals in recent years. Similarly, the administration has criticized European climate policies for their economic costs, arguing they reduce GDP per capita.

However, European responses have been mixed. While some leaders acknowledge the need for increased defense spending—nearly all EU countries committed to allocating 3.5% of GDP to defense as demanded by Trump—others view U.S. demands as transactional and politically motivated. The CSIS analysis highlights an "uneasy peace" in transatlantic relations, with Europe balancing appeasement of U.S. demands against efforts to reduce security dependence on Washington and build strategic autonomy.

Critics of the Trump administration's stance, including The Guardian, argue that Europe's challenges stem not from cultural or immigration policies but from systemic economic and technological stagnation. Between 2008 and 2023, U.S. GDP grew 87%, compared to just 13.5% in the EU, while productivity gaps in innovation and tech leadership favor the U.S. European officials also face domestic pressure to advance tech regulations, such as the Digital Services Act, which clash with U.S. corporate interests.

As the Trump administration pushes for a redefined transatlantic partnership, the CSIS report warns that abrupt shifts in U.S. security commitments—such as potential troop withdrawals—could destabilize the alliance. Meanwhile, Europe's efforts to diversify trade agreements and boost defense spending signal a long-term strategy to rebalance power dynamics.

For investors, the evolving relationship underscores risks and opportunities in both U.S.-European trade and defense sectors, as policy realignments reshape global economic and security landscapes.