European capitals are following the US midterm elections closely, but do not expect a Democrat-led Congress to undo the international order shaped by President Donald Trump, according to the supplied report. Governments in Europe have been troubled by Trump’s retreat from support for Ukraine and NATO, his war in Iran and his confrontational treatment of European leaders.
Their first hope is that the results leave Trump politically weakened enough to constrain his actions abroad. The prospect is uncertain: foreign policy remains largely within the White House’s remit regardless of which party controls Congress, and presidents have historically turned more toward overseas affairs in their final years in office.
European leaders are also looking for signs of where US politics may be heading in 2028. A future president who takes a more traditional approach to international relations, including support for NATO, Europe and free trade, would be welcome in European capitals.
The report says a broader decline in the influence of the MAGA movement would matter more than a temporary return to conventional presidential politics. European governments have seen during Joe Biden’s presidency that such a shift could prove short-lived if the Republican Party remains aligned with MAGA.
Sources: Politico Europe.