The Trump administration’s latest National Security Strategy (NSS) has raised alarms across Europe, with critics warning that its narrative may bolster far-right movements on the continent. Released on Thursday, the 33-page document warns of “civilisational erasure” in Europe due to migration and criticizes the European Union (EU) for undermining political freedom and sovereignty.

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Trump’s NSS and Europe’s Far-Right Alignment

A section of the NSS, titled “Promoting European Greatness”, frames Europe’s declining share of global GDP as a symptom of a broader cultural and demographic crisis. The document specifically highlights:

• Migration policies transforming the continent
• Censorship of free speech and suppression of opposition
• Cratering birthrates and erosion of national identities

Observers note that this language closely mirrors far-right rhetoric in Europe, used by parties such as:

• Alternative for Germany (AfD)
• Vox in Spain
• Front Populaire in France
• Lega Nord in Italy

Carl Bildt, former Swedish prime minister, tweeted that the NSS positions itself “to the right of the extreme right in Europe.” Gerard Araud, former French ambassador to the US, described the section as reading “like a far-right pamphlet,” while Mark Sedgwick, a professor at Aarhus University, linked it to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory.

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US Strategy: Cultivating Resistance Within Europe

The NSS explicitly calls for the US to “cultivate resistance” within Europe by encouraging political allies to revive a sense of civilizational pride. According to the document, Washington seeks to ensure Europe:

• Remains culturally European
• Regains civilizational self-confidence
• Abandons bureaucratic and regulatory constraints

This approach aligns with the US administration’s strengthened ties to central and Eastern European countries such as Slovakia and Hungary, which share concerns over migration and EU governance and show caution regarding support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

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Criticism and Concerns

Critics argue that the NSS uses supremacist and polarizing rhetoric. Roberto Forin, acting director of the Geneva-based Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), described the doctrine as an “unapologetic defence of whiteness” intended to divide Europe and weaponize migration issues.

European officials, including German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, stressed that Europe can address its social and cultural issues independently without foreign interference, emphasizing that alliances like NATO should focus on security and defense, not domestic cultural policies.

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Security, NATO, and Russia

The NSS also addresses Europe’s role in the Ukraine war, criticizing “unrealistic expectations” among European nations regarding the conflict. Washington emphasized that Europe should take primary responsibility for its own defense while maintaining collective security through NATO.

The strategy reinforces that the US may reconsider its NATO participation by 2027 if European nations do not increase defense spending and fulfill their military commitments. NATO members, including Germany, France, and the UK, have pledged to raise defense allocations to 5% of GDP by 2035.

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Could This Boost Europe’s Far-Right?

Experts suggest the NSS could legitimize far-right narratives in Europe by emphasizing demographic decline, migration fears, and the loss of national identity. Ian Lesser, head of The German Marshall Fund’s Brussels office, noted that the strategy reinforces the perception of a hyper-unilateralist US policy, potentially strengthening the ideological footing of Europe’s hard-right political factions.

Viewed through the lens of far-right groups, the NSS may appear as validation of their claims about migration, multiculturalism, and cultural decline, potentially influencing electoral politics across the continent.