Trump’s meetings with Macron and Starmer highlight deep transatlantic tensions

President Donald Trump is set to host French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer this week amid growing uncertainty about the future of transatlantic relations. Trump’s second term has been marked by significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy, raising concerns among European leaders and veteran diplomats. The "America First" approach has overshadowed what was once seen as America’s stabilizing influence on the global stage. Trump’s demands for territory, including Greenland, Canada, Gaza, and the Panama Canal, as well as rare earth minerals from Ukraine, have further complicated relations with key allies. These actions, combined with his push to end Russia’s war in Ukraine quickly, have left many questioning whether the U.S. is abandoning the principles that founded institutions like the United Nations.

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Veteran diplomats express alarm over Trump’s foreign policy

The shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump has alarmed veteran diplomats and former government officials, who fear that 80 years of American leadership in standing up to aggressors is being dismantled without proper discussion or reflection. Ian Kelly, a former U.S. ambassador to Georgia and now a professor at Northwestern University, criticized Trump’s approach, stating, "This is not peace through strength — this is peace through surrender." Kelly’s comments reflect a broader concern that Trump’s policies are undermining the post-World War II order that has long been a cornerstone of global stability. The U.S., once seen as a calming presence, is now viewed by some as a disruptor, casting doubt on its commitment to international norms and alliances.

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Macron and Starmer face high-stakes talks with Trump

Macron and Starmer’s visits to Washington come at a particularly sensitive time, as the U.S. and Europe navigate their roles in ending the war in Ukraine. Trump’s repeated criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not negotiating an end to the conflict has strained relations with European leaders. Additionally, Trump’s push for a deal giving the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals has been met with resistance from Zelenskyy, who insists on stronger security guarantees for Ukraine. European leaders were also dismayed by Trump’s decision to hold preliminary talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia without including Ukrainian or European representatives. These tensions are expected to come to a head at the United Nations, where the U.S. has proposed a resolution on Ukraine that diverges from the one backed by Ukraine and the European Union.

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Public spat between Trump and Zelenskyy adds to the complexity

The relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has been further strained by a public spat, with Trump labeling Zelenskyy a "dictator" and falsely accusing Kyiv of starting the war. In reality, Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and Zelenskyy has been a key figure in rallying international support for his country. Zelenskyy fired back at Trump, suggesting that the U.S. president was living in a Russian-made "disinformation space." Analysts caution that such confrontational rhetoric is counterproductive and urge Zelenskyy to adopt a more measured approach. Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, a former foreign policy aide to the late Sen. John McCain, noted that Trump’s administration is often characterized as "disruptors," but a better term might be "destabilizers." This dynamic complicates the task for Macron and Starmer as they seek to navigate talks with Trump.

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Macron warns against showing weakness to Putin

Macron has emphasized the importance of standing firm against Russian President Vladimir Putin, both in the context of Ukraine and in broader U.S. dealings with China. Macron plans to tell Trump that showing weakness to Putin undermines American credibility and could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. relations with China, its most significant economic and military competitor. "You can’t be weak in the face of President Putin. It’s not you, it’s not your trademark, it’s not in your interest," Macron said. "How can you then be credible in the face of China if you’re weak in the face of Putin?" Despite Macron’s warnings, Trump has shown a surprising degree of deference to Putin, even suggesting that Russia should rejoin the Group of Seven (G7), from which it was suspended after annexing Crimea in 2014.

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Experts warn against Trump’s approach to Russia

Trump’s stance on Russia has left many longtime diplomats and experts deeply concerned. The administration’s willingness to negotiate with Russian officials without involving Ukraine or European leaders has raised questions about whether the U.S. is abandoning its allies. Robert Wood, a retired career diplomat who served in multiple Republican and Democratic administrations, warned that Trump’s approach is unlikely to serve the best interests of the U.S. or its allies. "The administration should consider going in a different direction because this isn’t going to work," Wood said. "Let’s not kid ourselves: Russia started this war, and trying to rewrite the narrative isn’t