The response from European leaders to Donald Trump’s reported 2024 presidential election victory reflects a mix of guarded optimism and underlying concerns. French President Emmanuel Macron, while congratulating Trump, signaled a cautious approach by emphasizing a commitment to "peace and prosperity" but hinted at safeguarding Europe’s interests. Macron’s stance was notably more restrained than that of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other far-right European figures, who expressed excitement and anticipation for Trump's policies.
Many European leaders remain apprehensive, recalling Trump’s past criticisms of NATO, his ambivalent stance on Ukraine, and his resistance to climate change initiatives. These issues, coupled with Trump’s proposal to impose high tariffs on imports, including a 10% tariff on all imports and 60% on Chinese goods, could rekindle trade tensions. Economists warn that such tariffs may disrupt global supply chains, leading to potential retaliatory measures and increased costs for European economies.
European leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO officials expressed hopes for continued cooperation, albeit with a focus on protecting Europe's interests. The overall response illustrates a diplomatic balancing act: a willingness to engage while preparing for potential challenges in defense, trade, and foreign policy.