Trump lashes out: will Europe stand up to him? – The Latest

In this episode of The Guardian's Today in Focus, host Lucy Hough speaks with John Henley, The Guardian's Europe correspondent, regarding the recent tensions between Donald Trump, NATO, and the ongoing Iran war. Trump has publicly criticized NATO, suggesting that Europe must take charge of its own security. This criticism is coupled with a rising sense of frustration in Europe, where leaders are seeking to distance themselves from Trump's policies while grappling with the implications of the war for the continent.

Henley emphasizes that European leaders are increasingly determined not to grant Trump carte blanche as they have in the past. Many feel that they were not consulted regarding military actions and are worried about the unclear objectives of Trump's policies. There's concern that his approach could lead to a severe energy crisis and economic shock in Europe. The episode highlights significant differences among European nations regarding their stance on the Iran war and NATO's role.

Moreover, Henley notes that tensions are exacerbated by Trump's erratic behavior, which makes it difficult for European leaders to engage with the U.S. effectively. While some member states are willing to work on a multilateral basis in the region post-conflict, they refuse to engage militarily without a ceasefire. The conversation also touches on the risks of diversion of resources from critical issues like the Ukraine war, further complicating the political landscape in Europe.