Trump weakens the US global alliances

Hey there everyone,

As promised on the last couple of Live Q&As for paid subscribers, I did a quick translation of my column in the Danish business daily “Børsen” (the Danish version of the FT). It was published yesterday. Here you go!

Trump weakens US global alliances. Dictators and autocrats rejoice!

Trump has been busy undermining the US global alliance system, including NATO, the last couple of weeks. Dictators in Beijing, Moscow, Pyongyang etc. will be delighted with a US president essentially doing the work they’ve been hoping for years!

Last Friday, Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration has sent out a questionnaire to NATO allies to uncover their political loyalty. Bloomberg is in possession of the form itself, which asks, among other things, whether the governments have expressed support for the Trump administration’s foreign policy, whether they have restrictions on American use of their bases, and whether they sign contracts with the American defense industry.

The questionnaire was issued shortly after the United States began a review of its military presence in Europe. The review will be completed in December, and there are indications that the future presence of US troops in Europe depends on the responses to the questionnaire.

On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social that he’s unhappy with the cost of exercises in South Korea and that the exercises are “inappropriate” and “threatening.” Trump states that North Korea has been “unwavering and respectful” during his administrations. It also appeared that the United States will only scale down the exercise, as it is too late to cancel.

Trump finally mentioned in his post that South Korea has refused to participate in what he calls the “denuclearization” of Iran. Trump has also questioned NATO’s legitimacy on several occasions, as NATO members do not support the war against Iran.