Media: Trump's "Stunt Moves" Are Uniting Europe

A recent article published in The New York Times carries the headline: "Anti-Trumpism Is Uniting Europe." However, a more accurate reflection of current developments might be: "Trump's Stunt Moves Are Uniting Europe."

"Stunt Move" No. 1

One of Trump’s latest "stunt moves" involves spreading informal but explosive information: he has reportedly invited Russian President Vladimir Putin—responsible for the invasion of Ukraine—to attend the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit.

First, U.S. media reported on the 23rd that U.S. government officials revealed plans to invite Russian President Putin to the G20 Leaders Summit scheduled for December this year in Miami, USA.

Subsequently, The Washington Post reported that the U.S. Department of State issued a statement saying that President Trump “has clearly expressed his welcome for Russia’s participation in all G20 meetings,” and that the U.S. is committed to hosting a successful and productive summit.

Meanwhile, an unnamed senior U.S. government official told reporters during a background briefing: “No formal invitation has been sent yet, but as a G20 member, Russia will be invited to attend both ministerial-level meetings and the leaders’ summit.”

It is widely known that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian President Putin has been absent from G20 Leaders Summits, with Foreign Minister Lavrov representing Russia instead.

Upon the release of this news, Trump suddenly retreated, claiming he was unaware of the invitation and expressing doubt about whether Putin would actually attend. Trump said, “I’m not aware of the invitation. But if he were actually invited, I think it should be discussed with everyone. And if he comes, it might actually be helpful.”

On one hand, President Trump expects Putin will not attend this year’s December G20 Summit; on the other hand, he simultaneously emphasizes that Putin’s presence could be useful.

In Moscow, on Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated: “President Putin may go to Miami as a G20 member—or he may not. Alternatively, another Russian representative could attend. But regardless, the Russian Federation will be fully and appropriately represented at this summit.”

Peskov added: “Especially considering the ongoing and intensifying crises, there will be many topics to discuss by the time the summit takes place.”

With the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran currently facing setbacks, Trump needs Putin’s support, and also seeks to divert global attention from the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Putin, deeply entangled in the war in Ukraine, also needs Trump’s “deal” to help relieve pressure.

"Stunt Move" No. 2

Another of Trump’s recent “stunt moves” involves the possibility of punishing NATO members that did not support U.S. military actions during the U.S.-Israel strike on Iran. According to a report by Reuters on April 24, a U.S. official revealed that the United States is considering sanctions against NATO countries that failed to back U.S. operations in the Iran conflict. A classified internal memo from the U.S. Department of Defense outlined potential punitive measures, including the suspension of Spain’s NATO membership.

Since late February, the Spanish government led by Prime Minister Sanchez has consistently opposed the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran. This firm stance has angered President Trump, who criticized Madrid for refusing to allow U.S. forces to use military bases in Andalusia for airstrikes—and even threatened to “halt” all trade between the two nations.

Recent media reports indicate that the U.S. is now considering suspending Spain’s leadership role within NATO. However, the original 1949 NATO founding treaty contains no provisions allowing for the suspension or exclusion of any member state.

Additionally, the U.S. president has criticized Spain for refusing to honor an agreement reached last year at the NATO summit in The Hague, which called for increasing Spain’s defense spending to 5% of its GDP by 2035—with military expenditures alone accounting for 3.5%. Madrid argues that limiting defense spending to 2% of GDP is sufficient to meet NATO’s military capability targets.

Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez stated on Friday that he is not “concerned” about these reports. Speaking in English at the opening of the EU leaders’ summit in Cyprus, he emphasized: “Spain is a reliable partner in NATO, and we are fulfilling our alliance obligations.”

Italian Prime Minister Meloni also reiterated at the Cyprus-based EU summit that NATO must “remain united”—a strength we possess.

Cypriot President stated that EU leaders, during their meeting on Thursday evening, unanimously agreed it is time to strengthen NATO agreements. The European Commission will draft a roadmap outlining how the bloc will respond if a member state triggers Article 42.7 of the Treaty of Lisbon—the mutual assistance clause.

The New York Times article titled “Anti-Trumpism Is Uniting Europe” points out that over the past year, Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, threats to invade Greenland, wars launched against Iran, the resulting energy crisis, and even his attacks on the Pope have completely reshaped Europe’s traditional political landscape. Trump’s brand has now become toxic across Europe, pushing both left-wing and conservative forces into opposition.

For ideologically opposing figures like Sanchez and Meloni, distancing themselves from Trump has become a political necessity—clearly demonstrating just how toxic this U.S. president has become across the entire European continent.

In the UK, Nigel Farage—a former Trump supporter—is increasingly criticizing him. In Germany, a key figure in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party called Trump a “burden.” In France, the leader of the National Rally has explicitly called for a clear break with Trump. Now, Meloni seems to believe Trump has gone too far.

Despite receiving strong backing from Trump and a personal visit from Vice President Vance, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban recently suffered a crushing defeat in elections.

Source: rfi

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863395651865600/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.