EDITOR'S CORNER: A New Era Under Trump

This week has been one of the most intense and suspenseful of the year, centered around the highly anticipated U.S. election. In previous posts, I’ve discussed the Republican Party’s push to restrict abortion rights, part of a broader effort to curtail the rights of women and girls. I also highlighted the dangers associated with Donald Trump and explained why I believe Kamala Harris would be the best choice for President of the United States.

Today, we’re addressing the news that, while unsurprising to some, still feels significant: Donald Trump has won the election and will become the 47th President of the United States. 

 

 WHAT THE HELL, AMERICA?!

Yes, that was my initial reaction—I spent the whole day yesterday in disbelief. Why would you choose an incompetent, convicted criminal to lead the country? But after a while, I took a deep breath and tried to think rationally. Trump is in the White House. That’s the reality we’re now facing, and we have to confront it.

In this post, I won’t dive into his policies—or lack thereof. Instead, I want to offer a sense of hope for those who, like me, feel a deep sense of despair. Much of Wednesday left me in shock, unable to fully grasp whether this was real or just a bad dream.

But here we are. This is the man we’ll be dealing with for the next four years. What those years will bring is uncertain, but I can tell you this: it won’t be easy. Tensions will rise, and there will be plenty of unpredictability. We’ll have to work with him, find ways to manage and adapt, and do our best to navigate this new reality.

For Europe, the implications remain unclear. If he stops military support for Ukraine, the EU will need to step up its commitment. This may mean increasing defense spending and building stronger armies across Europe to deter any further aggression from Putin.

Economically, we’re in a challenging position. Trump has already spoken about imposing tariffs on imported goods, and if he follows through, the European Union would likely respond with its own tariffs on American products, making trade more costly on both sides.

If the U.S. withdraws support in defense spending, I hope Europe will look inward and invest in building our own defense industries, creating a more self-sufficient production base. By doing so, we could reduce dependency on American-made weaponry—a move that could ultimately cost the U.S. financially.

SOMETHING ELSE?

At this point, there isn’t much more to say. European leaders will have to find ways to work with the Trump administration, just as they did with Biden’s. Trump won’t prioritize Europe as much as the Democrats did, but one can hope he’ll have advisors who help him grasp the realities of the complex situations he’ll face. Trump and J.D. Vance now bear a significant responsibility for global peace and stability, likely more than they fully understand.

For us—everyday people in Europe and other countries outside the U.S.—this brings an unsettling sense of instability and uncertainty. Our economies and even our peace of mind are on the line. If Russia is given freer rein, we’ll have to be prepared to respond accordingly.

RUSSIA

I want to dedicate a separate section to Russia to emphasize its importance in this moment. Putin’s government was undoubtedly hoping for a Trump victory, as Putin likely sees Trump as more focused on economic deals than military engagements. However, my hope is that the war in Ukraine will not end with Kyiv essentially handed over to Russia. Such an outcome would increase the threat of terrorism across Europe and amplify hybrid warfare tactics in the region, further destabilizing the continent.

If the conflict in Ukraine ends with a victory for Russia, the country will likely spend the next two to three years restructuring and rebuilding its military forces. Bolstered by increased resources, manpower, and a heightened emphasis on militarization, Russia could adopt an even more aggressive posture toward NATO. This shift could embolden Putin to take more direct actions against NATO member states. Such a scenario would put the alliance's unity and resolve to a significant test. The uncertainty lies in how the United States would respond. Specifically whether Trump would honor NATO commitments and come to the aid of countries like Poland, Estonia, or Finland in the event of a Russian provocation or skirmish.

To prevent such scenarios, Europe must build and maintain a strong, capable defense presence. We need to send a clear message that any attempt by Russia to invade or challenge our borders would be met with formidable resistance. An empowered Europe, ready to defend itself, will serve as a deterrent. One that signals we are prepared to protect our sovereignty and our stability, and that Russia would face serious repercussions if it oversteps.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Trump’s presidency brings an era that will require resilience, strategic foresight, and unity from European leaders and citizens alike. His administration will likely de-prioritize European interests, and with Russia potentially emboldened by a less interventionist U.S., Europe faces heightened risks of instability. The outcome in Ukraine remains critical: if it tilts in Russia’s favor, the resulting geopolitical shift could test NATO’s unity and Europe’s defense capabilities. To counter this, Europe must invest in a strong, self-reliant defense, sending a clear message that we are prepared to protect our borders and values independently if necessary. 

Rather than despair, Europe’s best path forward is to rise to the challenge by enhancing its resilience and focusing inward on building cohesive, capable, and independent security and economic frameworks. By strengthening alliances within Europe, we can ensure that we are not vulnerable to external influences or economic retaliation. The need is not just for readiness but for a long-term commitment to self-sufficiency, stability, and unity. Through proactive adaptation, we can navigate this new chapter with confidence, prepared to uphold our values and protect our sovereignty in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.