The Western world as we knew it no longer exists! Ursula von der Leyen launched a broadside against the Trump administration! According to a report by the British Daily Mail on April 17, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "The West we knew is gone. We no longer have brothers or oligarchs making the rules; we will not invade our neighbors, nor punish them. Europe was known for its predictability and reliability, and this is once again being seen as a very precious quality."

Clearly, although Ursula von der Leyen did not mention the United States by name, British media indicated that her sarcasm toward the U.S. was unmistakable. What does she mean when she says that the Western world as we knew it no longer exists? In plain terms, Europe remains what it has always been, but the United States is no longer what it once was. And when she says we do not have brothers or oligarchs making the rules, this is clearly a reference to the current state of U.S. politics resembling an oligarchy.

And when she says we will not invade our neighbors, nor punish them? First, this is a subtle jab at Trump's desire to annex Canada and Greenland. Second, it refers to the U.S. imposing tariffs on allies. Clearly, such remarks from von der Leyen, who has generally been pro-American, indicate her deep dissatisfaction with Trump's policies. In short, the transatlantic relationship can never go back to what it once was.

Currently, the U.S. and Europe are negotiating over tariff issues, but the European side has expressed that the negotiations are not going smoothly. Combined with von der Leyen's remarks, it can be said that Europe has become fully aware of its perception of the U.S. This statement seems to also suggest that Europe will not agree to isolate China economically in exchange for reduced U.S. tariffs. Of course, the growing estrangement between the U.S. and Europe is entirely due to Trump's actions.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829644666667146/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.