Trump Criticizes European Leaders, Escalating Transatlantic Tensions; Diplomatic Circles Respond Cautiously
Former US President Trump's recent criticisms of European leaders, stemming from disagreements over the Iran conflict, have reignited transatlantic tensions. With threats of US troop reductions in Germany and increased tariffs on EU automobiles, diplomatic circles are seeking the best ways to respond.
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- 📰 Published: May 2, 2026 at 10:36
- 🔍 Collected: May 2, 2026 at 11:01 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 2, 2026 at 11:25 (24 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Washington, May 1st, comprehensive foreign report) US President Trump's recent series of attacks on European leaders over disagreements regarding the Iran conflict seem to have pulled transatlantic relations back to the tense situation at the beginning of his second term, once again prompting diplomatic circles to consider the best ways to respond.
Reuters reported that Trump this week retorted to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of the Iran war, calling him "completely ineffective." The Pentagon announced today that it would cut approximately 5,000 US troops stationed in Germany. Trump also said he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks from European Union (EU) countries, a move that would most impact Germany. Currently, there are about 36,400 US troops stationed in Germany.
Trump also targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling him "not Winston Churchill" and threatening high tariffs on British goods imported into the US.
The US Department of War also reportedly considered punishing NATO allies who did not support US military operations in the Iran conflict, including suspending Spain's membership and re-evaluating continued support for Britain's sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands.
A European diplomat stated: "It is unsettling, to say the least. We are always ready to respond to any situation."
Another European diplomat said that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a tense relationship with Trump during his first term, but she set the correct example for how to respond.
This diplomat said: "We have all learned a bit how to deal with Trump now. Never react immediately, let the storm pass, while holding our ground."
The diplomat also added that even those who tried to flatter him still faced Trump's wrath. "Those who tried also did not escape his insults, so now everyone realizes that flattery doesn't work either."
Although many members of the US government are highly skeptical of Europe, not everyone in Trump's Republican Party supports his approach.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon posted on social media platform X yesterday, saying: "Continually attacking NATO allies is counterproductive, these remarks hurt the US. Germany's two major air bases allow us quick access to three continents. We are shooting ourselves in the foot (by cutting troops)."
A former senior US defense official said that German military officials were quite calm about the situation, and military cooperation remained unchanged. "They all say, 'We've seen this before. A lot of this is bluster, and nothing will change in the end.'"
European diplomats stated that although the "tectonic plates" of US-European relations are shifting, they remain committed to maintaining transatlantic relations but must make adjustments.
A Western diplomat pointed out that Europe is rapidly taking action to strengthen its military capabilities. He said: "For us, the main lesson is that we can no longer rely on the post-World War II status quo; we must not only maintain soft power but also be able to back it up with hard power." (Compiler: Lu Ying-tzu) 1150502
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(Central News Agency, Washington, May 1st, comprehensive foreign report) US President Trump's recent series of attacks on European leaders over disagreements regarding the Iran conflict seem to have pulled transatlantic relations back to the tense situation at the beginning of his second term, once again prompting diplomatic circles to consider the best ways to respond.
Reuters reported that Trump this week retorted to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of the Iran war, calling him "completely ineffective." The Pentagon announced today that it would cut approximately 5,000 US troops stationed in Germany. Trump also said he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks from European Union (EU) countries, a move that would most impact Germany. Currently, there are about 36,400 US troops stationed in Germany.
Trump also targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling him "not Winston Churchill" and threatening high tariffs on British goods imported into the US.
The US Department of War also reportedly considered punishing NATO allies who did not support US military operations in the Iran conflict, including suspending Spain's membership and re-evaluating continued support for Britain's sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands.
A European diplomat stated: "It is unsettling, to say the least. We are always ready to respond to any situation."
Another European diplomat said that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a tense relationship with Trump during his first term, but she set the correct example for how to respond.
This diplomat said: "We have all learned a bit how to deal with Trump now. Never react immediately, let the storm pass, while holding our ground."
The diplomat also added that even those who tried to flatter him still faced Trump's wrath. "Those who tried also did not escape his insults, so now everyone realizes that flattery doesn't work either."
Although many members of the US government are highly skeptical of Europe, not everyone in Trump's Republican Party supports his approach.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon posted on social media platform X yesterday, saying: "Continually attacking NATO allies is counterproductive, these remarks hurt the US. Germany's two major air bases allow us quick access to three continents. We are shooting ourselves in the foot (by cutting troops)."
A former senior US defense official said that German military officials were quite calm about the situation, and military cooperation remained unchanged. "They all say, 'We've seen this before. A lot of this is bluster, and nothing will change in the end.'"
European diplomats stated that although the "tectonic plates" of US-European relations are shifting, they remain committed to maintaining transatlantic relations but must make adjustments.
A Western diplomat pointed out that Europe is rapidly taking action to strengthen its military capabilities. He said: "For us, the main lesson is that we can no longer rely on the post-World War II status quo; we must not only maintain soft power but also be able to back it up with hard power." (Compiler: Lu Ying-tzu) 1150502
Stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.