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What is the state of the transatlantic alliance under Trump?
The bond between Europe and the United States, forged after World War II, is broken. That is the stark warning from former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder in an exclusive interview with BNR. According to Daalder, the Trump administration is not a functioning government but rather a one-man operation. 'The Trump administration is a very strange administration. It is not an administration, it is one man, and the administration does what that man wants. The normal way you can influence this man does not exist,' Daalder said. His comments come amid escalating tensions over U.S. policy toward Iran, trade disputes, and European security concerns.
Background: A historic rupture in NATO relations
Daalder, who served as U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama, described Trump's approach to Iran as 'one of the dumbest things America has done since World War II' and 'an incredible blunder.' He noted that for the first time in NATO's 80-year history, a European country refused to allow U.S. bases to be used for a military operation—signaling a fundamental break. The transatlantic alliance under Trump is facing unprecedented strain, with European leaders increasingly questioning Washington's reliability.
Europeanization of NATO: Europe must step up
Taking responsibility without America
Daalder argues that the most important step for Europe is to take greater responsibility for its own security—'not against America, but without America.' This means the Europeanization of NATO, a move he says should have happened 25 years ago. He recalled a conversation with former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who warned that a generation of Americans was coming that 'no longer believed in the alliance' as their predecessors did. Europe failed to act on that warning, and the result is a resentful America that wrongly feels Europeans are not there when Washington needs them.
What Europe should not do
According to Daalder, Europe should not reinvent the wheel by creating a separate European army. NATO's infrastructure already exists, and building a new military force would take enormous time and resources. Instead, Europe should focus on strengthening its role within the existing alliance while drawing red lines—on issues like Greenland or participation in the illegal war against Iran. Europe must pursue its own path while remaining open to a U.S. partner willing to walk alongside.
Climate and tech: Europe must go its own way
Daalder is equally blunt on climate policy. If Americans call climate change a hoax and dismiss wind turbines, that is fine—as long as Europe continues its own climate efforts without becoming dependent on China. The same applies to technology. Daalder warns that big tech companies have essentially taken over the U.S. government. 'This is the most important technological revolution, probably in our history. And letting it be determined by people fundamentally interested in money is not the way to go,' he said. The EU AI regulation and digital sovereignty push is a step in the right direction, but Europe must do more.
ASML and DigiD: Red lines for Europe
Daalder points to two concrete cases where Europe must stand firm. First, the idea that ASML—a Dutch semiconductor equipment maker—should be controlled by U.S. technology policy is unacceptable. Second, the Netherlands should ignore U.S. ambassador concerns about blocking a takeover that would put the Dutch digital identity system (DigiD) in American hands. 'From a U.S. standpoint, this makes sense. From a Dutch or European standpoint, it does not,' Daalder said. He is convinced that an overwhelming majority of Dutch and European citizens support blocking such a move.
Impact and implications for Europe
Daalder warns that the Trump administration's coercive diplomacy—threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe unless Washington gets its way on technology—is self-defeating. 'Those troops are not there because you want a technology agreement. Those troops are there for your security. But unfortunately, that is not how this president reasons,' he said. The European defense autonomy and NATO future is now a pressing reality. Daalder's advice to European leaders facing Trump's tirades on Truth Social: ignore them. 'That man says nonsense every five minutes.'
Ultimately, Daalder believes Trump is temporary, but the transatlantic relationship is not. Europe must take more responsibility, reduce dependence on the U.S., and keep the door open to Washington. The post-World War II order may be broken, but a new, more balanced partnership can emerge—if Europe has the courage to lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ivo Daalder say about the Trump administration?
Daalder said the Trump administration is not a real administration but a one-man operation where the president's whims dictate policy, making traditional diplomatic influence impossible.
What is the Europeanization of NATO?
Europeanization of NATO means Europe taking greater responsibility for its own defense within the alliance, reducing reliance on the United States while keeping NATO's existing infrastructure.
Why did Daalder call Trump's Iran policy a blunder?
Daalder described it as one of the dumbest U.S. moves since WWII because it violates international law, alienates allies, and strategically weakens America's position.
Should Europe create its own army?
No, according to Daalder. Europe should use NATO's existing infrastructure rather than waste time and resources building a separate military force from scratch.
How should Europe respond to Trump's threats?
Daalder advises Europe to draw red lines, pursue its own path on climate and tech, ignore Trump's social media outbursts, and keep the door open for a future U.S. administration.
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