BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON — The “Make America Great Again” roadshow arrived in Europe this week with events in two nations where American conservatives see prime opportunities for a new transatlantic political culture — one molded by President Donald Trump’s right-wing populism and imbued with grand “clash of civilizations” rhetoric.
The timing of these political outreach efforts comes as trade tensions between the United States and European Union reach a critical juncture, with Trump threatening sweeping tariffs that could reshape the global economic order.
Trade War Clouds Gathering
The backdrop to this political diplomacy is an escalating trade confrontation. Trump announced in April 2025 a 20% tariff on all imports from the EU (along with dozens of other tariff hikes), calling Europeans “very, very tough traders” that “rip us off”. At various points, he has argued that the EU was invented to “screw the United States.”
Most recently, Trump backed away from his threat to impose 50% tariffs on imports from the European Union next month, restoring a July 9 deadline to allow for talks between Washington and the 27-nation bloc to produce a deal. However, the E.U. has pushed back against President Trump’s latest threat to impose a 50% import tariff on all E.U. goods, warning trade must be built on “respect”.
Political Outreach Amid Economic Pressure
The MAGA political events in Europe represent an attempt to build ideological bridges even as economic tensions mount. Conservative movements across Europe have increasingly looked to Trump’s populist model as inspiration for their own campaigns against established political orders.
“The centre-right and conservative parties have the chance to develop this [MEGA] into a great movement that can actually save Europe and the European project. They first need the will to unite, and subsequently the vision, clarity and hard work to put their ideas in practice, winning the hearts and minds of every European”, according to recent analysis from Hungarian Conservative.
Global Economic Uncertainty
Trump’s tariff decisions since he took office on January 20 have shocked financial markets and sent a wave of uncertainty through the global economy. The president has implemented a broad range of trade restrictions, with a 24% tariff on Japan and a 25% tariff on South Korea, both home to major U.S. military bases, and a 32% tariff on Taiwan as the island faces increased military pressure from China.
While experts warn this may not work in practice, the president has now taken steps to reduce foreign imports. A raft of tariffs was announced over the weekend, with more expected to follow.
Diplomatic Tensions and Negotiations
Despite the trade tensions, there have been some positive signals. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was monitoring “positive” steps in trade talks with the European Union, though specific details remain unclear.
Trump imposed a blanket 20 percent tariff on the E.U. as part of a global trade blitz in early April, which he then suspended for 90 days, giving negotiators time to work toward a comprehensive agreement.
Looking Ahead
The convergence of political outreach and economic pressure tactics represents Trump’s dual approach to reshaping America’s relationship with Europe. While MAGA-aligned political movements seek to build cultural and ideological ties with European conservatives, the looming threat of trade wars creates pressure for European leaders to accommodate American demands.
With the July 9 deadline approaching for EU trade negotiations, European officials find themselves navigating between economic pragmatism and political principles, even as American conservative movements work to build transatlantic populist networks.
The success or failure of both diplomatic tracks – trade negotiations and political coalition-building – will likely determine whether the current tensions evolve into a full-scale economic conflict or a new framework for U.S.-European relations under Trump’s second presidency.
This story continues to develop as trade negotiations proceed and political movements evolve on both sides of the Atlantic.