US President-elect Donald Trump is using his influence to bully US allies, threatening military action against them unless they meet certain demands. His ally Elon Musk is also taking a keen interest in European politics, often publicly supporting far-right groups.
Trump has several key asks from Canada, including increased defense spending and tighter border controls. He may not annex Greenland or Panama but could accept a stronger US presence in these regions instead. In Germany, Musk’s interventions have helped the Alternative for Germany party, which opposes EU unity and military aid.
This behavior will weaken the West in three ways. Firstly, it creates distrust within NATO, which has been the foundation of Western security since World War Two. Secondly, Trump’s threats undermine the US case against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Lastly, Musk’s influence may lead to a more divided Europe as he promotes far-right agendas.
The long-term damage to US power will come from its network of alliances and support for the rule of law being eroded. Allies will try to persuade Trump that bullying his friends is not in their interests. However, Beijing and Moscow appear delighted with how his presidency is shaping up, indicating they see this as a threat to US global dominance.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/trump-musks-ally-bullying-weakens-west-2025-01-13