The Donald is back. Who hasn’t got an opinion about what Trump 2.0 will mean for friend and foe across the world!
But whatever our personal views, concerns or expectations- the American people have decided. Trump is returning to the White House. So, buckle up and let’s respect America’s choice.
But idle talk travels and has consequences. If all the Trump transition team hears from Britain is a barrage of criticism over who won, linked with speculation about the US reducing its European military footprint or even withdrawing from NATO, we shouldn’t be surprised if US engagement with Europe does indeed diminish. Especially as geo-politics increasingly tilts to the Far East.
First a reality check. As we know from politics here, promises made on the campaign trail don’t always turn into policy.
The same applies in America. Do not under-estimate the quiet thinking already done behind the scenes by Trump’s transition team. But it’s not set in stone yet.
The much mentioned ‘US/UK Special Relationship’ is not just about a deep alliance, spanning military, intelligence, economic and cultural ties with a shared (if increasingly tested) obligation to maintain global order.
It’s also about the personal relationships, the back channels, the trust that develops between the senior decision makers on both sides of the Atlantic.
We need to be getting into the (transition) room where it happens, offering the thought leadership and strategic thinking that cultivated the Special Relationship in the first place.
Secondly, let’s appreciate Trump is not your typical President. He hasn’t served in the military or held previous elected office as a senator or governor.
His background is real estate – and showbusiness. When I briefly met him at the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth he was quite open about not fully appreciating the scale of American involvement and sacrifice in this game-changing operation that helped to eventually defeat the axis powers.
I seized the opportunity to stress the significance of how important the US contribution was then and is today.
This he acknowledged but with a smile he asked me if it was now time, 75 years on, for Europe to contribute more to its own security. Yes.
Europe, indeed the world is getting more dangerous not less and Trump’s upcoming term could well align with the most volatile period since the 1930s.
Security-wise Europe needs leading again. Time for Britain to step up. Let’s lead the charge to increase NATO defence spending to 3% GDP.
It’s not just the right call, given another authoritarian axis looms on the horizon. It’s also just the kind of action America would expect of the special relationship.
