A future for a progressive transatlantic partnership

The US is stuck in its worst political crisis since the Civil War, as one American put it. Checks and balances between Congress and the White House have broken down as Trump holds the Republican Party in a tight grip. Only courts can currently rein him in.

Democrats are hoping the pendulum will swing in their favour at the next mid-term elections, since Trump’s populism is based on communication rather than delivering on voter promises. First indications of a mood swing are there. Republican Congress representatives are avoiding town hall meetings to dodge voter frustration.

Europe is gearing up

The mid-term elections are still a long way off and damage has already been done merely eight weeks into this presidency. The shutdown of USAid programmes is only one example. The US government puts effectiveness and efficiency at the centre of its policy; existing structures and institutions, in this logic, are no longer fit for purpose.

National security dominates the narrative behind the reconfiguration of geopolitics, regardless of actual consequences within the US or internationally. Possible tariffs on EU imports were already addressed during talks, their extent and the disastrous impact on the global economy, however, were not anticipated at the time. Another indication that the Trump administration is exceeding even the worst expectations.

Not only a recently leaked Signal chat shows: the EU faces strong opposition and contempt. The Union may have good arguments why tariffs are unjustified and harmful for international trade. Europe is further stepping up the efforts for its own security. But will this ultimately be enough to counter Trump’s populism?