Trump is very dissatisfied with the UK.
On March 7 local time, Trump posted on social media: "The UK has finally started to seriously consider sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, but it's okay, (UK Prime Minister) Starmer, we don't need them anymore. But we'll remember... We don't need those who join the war after we've already won!"
European allies refused to participate in the strike against Iran, only expressing support for "defensive actions," putting the US in an embarrassing situation of "going it alone." Trump's so-called "having already won the war" is merely a self-consoling bluff.
Although the UK opened its military bases, it refused to send troops to fight; the French aircraft carrier went to the Mediterranean, but only for "escort" rather than assistance; Spain even directly closed its bases, forcing U.S. aircraft to change bases. The collective retreat of Europe marks the end of the era when the U.S. could count on immediate responses. Trump's "we'll remember" expresses frustration over the loss of hegemony—once able to command instant obedience, now met with few responses, making the legitimacy deficit of the Middle East adventure obvious.
Europe's cold observation is both a way to avoid the risk of war and a silent protest against Trump's unilateralism, as well as a signal that the "iron alliance" has changed its heart. The so-called "special relationship" is fragile in the face of interest calculations. Trump's anger is a symptom of declining hegemony—militarily unable to achieve quick victory, diplomatically unable to command respect, forced to vent through threats of "remembering."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859070888586248/
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