The past week in US-European relations was marked by a series of important events that underscored the central role Europe plays in US foreign policy. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth’s visit to Europe for a NATO meeting in Brussels, Vice President J.D. Vance’s speech in Paris on artificial intelligence, and a significant prisoner exchange involving the release of an American held by Russia-all highlighted the continuing significance of transatlantic ties. However, the culmination of these events occurred at the Munich Security Conference, where Vance addressed the audience on the future of US-European relations, NATO, and the evolving dynamics with Russia. For those observing closely, these discussions set the tone for the Trump administration’s second term and its approach to Europe.

As President Trump embarks on his second term, he would be wise to reflect on the outcomes of his first term, particularly regarding the security of Europe. Despite his frequent criticisms of European allies for their inadequate defense spending and overreliance on US military support, Trump’s administration took substantial steps to enhance European security. A closer look at the record of the first Trump administration demonstrates a clear commitment to strengthening NATO, countering Russian influence, and securing Europe’s energy needs, all of which are crucial for US national interests.

One of the defining criticisms that Trump voiced during his first term was aimed at European nations’ defense budgets. While many European leaders bristled at Trump’s rhetoric, claiming he was alienating allies, the reality of the Trump administration’s policy outcomes was quite different. Despite the public criticism, Trump’s first term saw a substantial increase in US spending on European defense, far outpacing the defense contributions of many European NATO members. By the time Trump left office in 2021, the US had deployed more forces in Europe and conducted more training exercises across the continent than at any time before. This was not an indication of a lack of commitment but rather a demonstration of how the Trump administration viewed Europe as a vital front in the broader global struggle for stability.

Equally significant was Trump’s approach to European energy security. During his tenure, Trump’s administration took proactive steps to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy. The ramping up of US exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) was a key factor in diversifying Europe’s energy sources, making it less reliant on Russian natural gas. Moreover, the administration imposed sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, a Russian project that was seen as a strategic move by Moscow to tighten its grip on European energy supplies. This was a critical step in protecting Europe’s energy independence and ensuring that Russia’s geopolitical ambitions would not easily dictate European energy policies.

Beyond energy security, Trump’s first term marked a significant shift in the US’s relationship with Ukraine. After the Obama administration’s reluctance to provide advanced military aid to Ukraine, particularly anti-tank missiles, Trump took decisive action. His administration delivered the first such weapons to Ukraine, which played a crucial role in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression. Additionally, Trump took unprecedented steps to confront Russia diplomatically, overseeing the largest expulsion of Russian spies and diplomats from the US in history and closing Russian consulates in Seattle and San Francisco. These actions were a clear indication that the Trump administration recognized the importance of confronting Russia and strengthening European security in the face of increasing Russian threats.

However, the landscape of global security has evolved since Trump’s first term, with increasing bipartisan recognition of the challenges posed by China. As the US shifts its focus to East Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, there are growing concerns about the implications for Europe. Some have argued that the US should reduce its military presence in Europe and the Middle East in favor of prioritizing security challenges in Asia. While this may seem appealing on the surface, the geopolitical realities make such a shift difficult, if not impossible. Europe remains central to both US national security and economic prosperity, and the risks of disengaging from the continent are too high.

The interconnectedness of Europe and the US cannot be overstated. Together, North America and Europe account for nearly half of the world’s GDP, and Europe is America’s largest trading partner, with exports to the continent outpacing those to China in most states. Furthermore, Europe is the largest source of foreign investment into the US, with two-thirds of foreign investments coming from the continent. This economic relationship is not just important for trade but also for creating and sustaining American jobs. US businesses depend on the stability and prosperity of Europe to thrive, and instability in Europe-whether driven by Russian aggression or other factors-can have a direct negative impact on American workers and businesses.

The US military presence in Europe, alongside NATO’s defense infrastructure, is the backbone of the continent’s security. Russia’s ongoing attempts to undermine European stability, whether through direct military aggression, hybrid warfare, or destabilizing tactics, have made it clear that Europe cannot stand alone in defending its security interests. The notion that the US could disengage from Europe and allow the continent to defend itself is naive at best. In fact, such a shift would have far-reaching geopolitical consequences that would damage both US and European interests. In a multipolar world, where powers like China, Russia, and Iran are increasingly asserting their influence, the US must maintain a robust presence in Europe to safeguard its own interests and ensure a balance of power that favors democracy and stability.

Trump’s second administration must adopt a strategic, long-term approach to transatlantic relations. Europe should remain a key pillar of US foreign policy, and the US must continue to support NATO and bolster Europe’s defense capabilities. The US should also continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, providing both military and diplomatic assistance. By doing so, the Trump administration will not only protect Europe’s security but also secure the economic and strategic interests of the US. In a world where the lines between regions are increasingly blurred, the security of Eastern Europe is tied to the stability of the broader global order. The US must therefore view its involvement in Europe as a crucial part of its national security strategy.

The Trump administration’s approach to Europe should be pragmatic, built on the understanding that a secure Europe is essential to global stability. As the world continues to face complex security challenges, from Russia’s destabilizing activities to the rise of China, the US must remain engaged in Europe, ensuring that NATO remains strong, European economies thrive, and the continent’s security is protected from external threats. In doing so, the US will not only strengthen its own position on the global stage but also reinforce the transatlantic alliance that has been a cornerstone of international peace and security for over seven decades.

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