
BRUSSELS
US President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation of European nationalist and far-right leaders, instead of EU officials and centrist mainstream leaders, to his Jan. 20 inauguration suggests he prioritizes ideological ties over a strategic partnership with Europe.
Trump’s assumption of the presidency, which strained the traditional alliance between the US and the EU in his first term, is anxiously awaited in Brussels.
The EU’s new administration, which assumed office following the June 2024 elections, has sought to rebuild ties with the US while preparing for potential challenges during Trump’s second term.
Von der Leyen recently shared a message from her sickbed, underscoring the importance of US-EU relations. “The US is one of our closest partners, and we are committed to strengthening the Transatlantic bond,” she wrote on X.
“We look forward to a positive engagement with the incoming US administration, based on our common values and shared interests. In a rough world, Europe and the US are stronger together."
Her remarks were also echoed by European Council President Antonio Costa.
But as the guest list for Trump’s inauguration became clearer, it sparked speculation that these diplomatic overtures had fallen flat.
Far-right leaders invited
While foreign guests are not traditionally invited to US presidential inaugurations, the inclusion of far-right European leaders on Trump’s list has been read as a deliberate political message.
Earlier, European Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho had told Anadolu: “Shortly after the elections in the US, there had been, there was a call between von der Leyen and Trump. And ever since, there were no such contacts.”
“In the meantime, also the president fell sick, but we will, of course, be seeking early contacts with the new administration,” she added.
Pinho said von der Leyen had not received an invitation to Trump’s oath-taking, and if one were to be extended, she would consider it, but no plans in this regard were made.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Argentinian President Javier Millei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have received an invite, although their attendance has not been confirmed.
Tom Van Grieken, the leader of Belgium’s far-right Vlaams Belang party, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are also included in the guest list.
Ideological ties over strategic alliances
Ian Lesser, vice president at the German Marshall Fund, said Trump is likely to build close ties with leaders he views as ideological allies.
“I think it’s very likely that President-elect Trump will look to build close relationships with leaders he sees as ideological allies. But I do think this is less about parties and movements than about individual leaders and where he finds affinity,” Lesser told Anadolu.
Strained US-EU relations
Trump’s first term was marked by tensions with the EU. He criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense spending, withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, and pursued protectionist trade policies.
Trump also referred to Brussels as a “hellhole” before taking office and later called the EU “anti-American” and a “trade foe.” On the campaign trail, he said he would “encourage” Russia to attack any NATO allies who do not met their financial obligations.
His suggestion, after being elected, that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, should be under US control has further fueled concerns in Brussels.
*Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul
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