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PARIS — What attitude to take in front of the “juggernaut” that is Donald Trump? How to react to an American president ready to run over the whole world? It is a question repeated on every continent that has had to suffer the threat of tariffs or the use of force if they dare resist the demands of the new president — who has only been in office for nine days.
It takes on a particular dimension in Europe, where the one threatening you is also the one protecting you! In this context, Tuesday’s visit to Paris by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as part of her European tour was quite symbolic.
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It’s hard to find a more loyal ally of the United States than Denmark. Yet, despite its best efforts, Denmark finds itself in the eye of a storm entirely whipped up by Donald Trump himself. He continues to insist on taking control of Greenland, and shows no signs of backing down. Copenhagen, meanwhile, adamantly refuses, and the democratically elected prime minister of the territory, which is associated with the Danish crown, demands independence — but not to fall under the control of another country.
A phone call last week between the U.S. president and the Danish prime minister went badly, leaving Denmark in shock. Then, Trump publicly mocked the “dog sleds” deployed by Denmark to protect Greenland.
That’s not how allies behave — unless, of course, you’re Trump.
Looming tech showdown
Mette Frederiksen wants to ensure the support of key European countries, and she appears to have it. But she advocates for discretion at this stage: making a spectacle is not Denmark’s style, and it likely won’t be effective against the overwhelming power of the United States.
When China targeted Lithuania over its relations with Taiwan, Europe rallied to help it resist.
When China targeted Lithuania a few years ago to punish it over its relations with Taiwan, Europe rallied to help it resist. What was possible with China is much more complicated when it comes to the United States.
But this problem is far greater than the Danish case alone, because the American pressure will extend across the continent of Europe through threats of trade war, military expenses, the purchase of American hydrocarbons. Of course, this all will also eventually lead to the question of regulation of U.S.-based digital platforms.
Allies or customers?
In Europe, too, no single voice reigns supreme. Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, and Christine Lagarde, Chief of the European Central Bank, have signaled an interest in greater European purchasing from the United States — presumably with the goal of soothing Donald Trump. Still, others intend to “resist.”
Does Europe have a choice? Today, it is paying the price for not reducing its dependence on the United States, particularly when it comes to defense. Europe is now too afraid to criticize the new administration too harshly, fearing it might withdraw from NATO.
Our calling is not to be customers, but sovereign nations.
This is painfully true when it comes to the defense industry. The vast majority of defense spending by European countries goes to American manufacturers. And the European Defense Industry Program, currently under discussion, is already under American pressure.
Hence, the heartfelt cry from French President Emmanuel Macron in his speech to the armed forces last week: “Our calling is not to be customers, but sovereign nations.”
But Donald Trump has other ideas, intent on making countries pay for the protection the United States provides: there are no longer allies, only customers.
