European Diplomats in Washington Prepare for Potential Trump Comeback
In a whirlwind of activity, European diplomats in Washington are scrambling to schedule meetings with allies of former President Donald Trump as they brace for his possible return to the White House, sources familiar with the effort reveal to CNN.
Face-to-face gatherings are taking place at private DC clubs, hotels, embassies, and think tanks throughout the city. Diplomats are probing Trump’s policy intentions, potential personnel choices, and relaying information back to their European capitals, where officials are eager for insights to establish guardrails for NATO and ensure lasting support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Challenges and Emotions in Diplomatic Meetings
Informal lists of former high-ranking Trump officials are circulating among embassies, including the likes of John Ratcliffe, Mike Pompeo, Robert O’Brien, and Keith Kellogg. The meetings, while not always pleasant and occasionally emotional, are primarily characterized by diplomats attentively listening. However, securing these meetings proves easier for some diplomats than others.
Ambassadors from larger countries and those with more experience in Washington find it simpler to connect with Trump’s inner circle compared to newer diplomats and those from smaller nations, multiple sources disclose.
Lessons Learned from 2016 Election
Contrary to the lead-up to the 2016 election, where most diplomats assumed Hillary Clinton would win and made little effort to engage with Trump allies or Republican foreign policy circles, the current situation is vastly different. Diplomats have learned that establishing relationships is key with Trump, leading to a proactive approach this time around.
“We are not that nervous because we know that with Trump it is all about relationships,” states a veteran European diplomat in DC. Efforts include courting Republican think tanks, seeking meetings with former Trump cabinet members, and casting a wide net to gain insights.
Global Efforts to Harden Support for Ukraine
Meanwhile, officials from NATO and the European Union are working to solidify support for Ukraine in anticipation of a potential Trump administration that may be less sympathetic to the country’s plight. Discussions revolve around establishing a $100 billion NATO fund over the next five years to aid Ukraine, drawing funds specifically from alliance members.
Efforts in Brussels focus on utilizing the $300 billion in Russian Central Bank assets frozen in the West since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The EU seeks to direct accumulated interest from these funds toward Ukraine for military expenditures or reconstruction, with US officials endorsing the move.
British Foreign Secretary Meets with Trump
In a sign of NATO countries’ keenness to engage with Trump, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron recently met with the former president at Mar-a-Lago. Discussions covered NATO defense spending, upcoming US and UK elections, Brexit, and support for Ukraine.
The heightened diplomatic activity underscores the global interest in understanding Trump’s potential policies and strategies, with European diplomats playing a pivotal role in shaping future international relations and security measures.
