Washington: Strong criticism has been directed at US President Donald Trump after he publicly disparaged the European Union, prompting swift and forceful responses from European Council President António Costa and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
In an interview with Politico, President Trump described the EU as “weak” and “dying”, accusing the bloc of losing control over immigration and calling it “moribund”. His remarks came shortly after unveiling a new national security strategy urging European nations to abandon what he called “liberal immigration policies”, warning that the US may reconsider its alliances if European countries fail to align with his administration’s approach.
“I think they’re weak, but they want to be politically correct,” Trump said, targeting the UK, France, Germany, Poland and Sweden as countries he claims are being “destroyed by immigration.” He also issued a harsh personal attack on London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, calling the circumstances “horrible, cruel and disgusting”.
Trump further criticised Europe’s role in responding to the Russia–Ukraine conflict, accusing EU nations of “talking instead of acting” and prolonging the war.
European leaders responded firmly. António Costa admonished Washington, insisting that the US should refrain from interfering in the EU’s internal affairs. He emphasised that the EU and the US are allies—and allies, he said, must treat each other with respect and solidarity.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin strongly rejected Trump’s portrayal of the EU, asserting that the Union remains robust and united. He stressed that Europe will continue to apply pressure on Russia until it ends its “unjust war” in Ukraine.
Martin added that while challenges in defense and security persist, the EU is well-positioned to overcome them. He highlighted the bloc’s global leadership in trade and noted that recent agreements with the United States demonstrate its continued strength. The EU’s coordinated response to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, further reflects the Union’s resilience and unity.
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