The shock impact of President Trump’s rhetoric on European identity

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on European identity during his first term (2017-2021). Traditionally, the European Union (EU) has aligned its foreign policy and cultural identity closely with the transatlantic partnership, sharing values such as democracy, liberalism, and the rule of law. However, Trump’s “America First” policy and disruptive rhetorical style marked a significant shift, transforming the EU’s perception of the US from a reliable partner to a “problematic other.”

The paper concludes that Trump’s presidency acted as a discursive turning point in transatlantic relations, challenging long-standing principles of cooperation and legitimacy. This crisis evolved into an opportunity for the EU to define its role more clearly in the 21st century, asserting itself as a global actor committed to multilateralism, responsibility, and shared values.