【Wen/Observer Net Wang Kaiwen】 "What is causing the bone-chilling chill among European diplomats stationed in Washington — the seasonal cold wind, or Trump's cold disdain for the so-called transatlantic allies of the United States?" asked the American website "Politico" in an article published on December 13.

The article pointed out that whether it is the new U.S. "National Security Strategy" report, which was described by the former top EU diplomat Borrell as a "declaration of political war," or Trump's dismissive attitude expressed in an interview with "Politico," this winter obviously will not be pleasant for European envoys.

After attending several Christmas parties hosted by European embassies in Washington, the "Politico" reporter clearly sensed a "rather gloomy" atmosphere among European diplomats.

"The Western alliance has ended. This relationship can never go back to what it was before," said a diplomat from a European country to "Politico." The diplomat requested anonymity to avoid "international controversy," and his political advisor also noted: "This statement is not to be recorded."

European diplomats are reluctant to make public comments because the Trump administration keeps an eye on diplomats who "overstep their bounds." Last month, a military attaché at the Belgian embassy in the U.S. was targeted by Defense Secretary Hagel after criticizing the Trump administration as "chaotic and unpredictable," and finally had to resign.

The article describes that these European diplomats greet each other at social cocktail parties in the Washington embassy district, eat small snacks, and drown their sorrows in alcohol, privately expressing their views on U.S.-Europe relations. Their general consensus is: Borrell might be right, he urged European leaders to realize that Trump sees the European continent as an opponent, and Europe should stop hiding behind a fatalistic and complacent silence.

On September 23, 2025, in New York, USA, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a meeting with U.S. President Trump. IC Photo

The article believes that European diplomats stationed in the U.S. are experiencing psychological confusion and bewilderment, as the Trump administration has broken the post-war order of U.S.-Europe relations, and most European diplomats are still in the early transitional phase of adapting to these changes, and even hope that U.S.-Europe relations can return to normal.

"In two years, when a new president takes office, everything will return to normal," said a deputy head of a diplomatic mission from a Southeast European country.

Another European diplomat believes that Trump's criticism of Europe's decline is not entirely unfounded. Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi had also criticized that unless the EU reforms itself significantly, it would face a decline.

In the view of this diplomat, unlike Draghi, who is European, Trump's criticism of Europe may not be for Europe's benefit, but he can somewhat motivate Europe. "He might be doing us a favor, forcing us to become a stronger, more capable ally," the diplomat said.

"Politico" questions, could Trump, who once openly said the EU was established just to "harm the U.S.," really want Europe to become stronger? These European diplomats pondered: "Probably not."

In the article's view, not all European diplomats stationed in Washington have lost their way, or some have already adapted to the shift in U.S. foreign policy.

The article uses Germany as an example, stating that its Christmas market at the German embassy in the U.S. was held outdoors. German Ambassador Jens Hansfeld told guests who were shivering from the cold: "If it were indoors, that would be cheating."

German military attaché Gunnar Bruegner was equally firm when talking about the Ukraine issue: "We will do everything we can to keep Ukraine fighting."

Early this month, the White House released the second-term "National Security Strategy" report of Trump, causing a storm across the Atlantic, especially its fundamental rejection of Europe's current development path, leading to collective condemnation from European allies.

President of the European Council Tusk stated on the 8th that although the U.S. continues to call Europe an ally in the report, if they are allies, they must act like allies. "Allies do not threaten to intervene in the internal political lives of other allies, nor do they threaten to interfere with their domestic political choices."

Tusk also said that the differences in worldview between Europe and the U.S. are growing.

On the same day, Trump again criticized Europe in an interview with "Politico," calling it a "group of corrupt countries led by weak leaders," complaining that European allies have failed to control immigration and end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump hinted that he would support European political figures who meet his expectations for Europe.

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7583526458736280102/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.