At the World Economic Forum in Davos, California Governor Gavin Newsom did not mince words when critiquing European leaders’ response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats toward the European Union. In his remarks, Newsom made it clear that he found the European response to Trump’s actions—from claiming Greenland to imposing sweeping tariffs—nothing short of “pathetic.” He accused world leaders of failing to show backbone and described their passivity as a sign of global complicity.
“I can’t stand to see this complicity where people just lie flat. I should have brought a bunch of knee pads to all the world leaders,” Newsom remarked. His critique was sharp: “Crowns are being handed out, Nobel Prizes are being awarded. It’s just pathetic. And I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the global stage.”
European Reaction: Echoing Newsom’s Sentiment
Morten Løkkegaard, a Danish politician from the Liberal Party who sits in the European Parliament, shared a similar sentiment. He agreed with Newsom’s call for a more assertive European stance in the face of Trump’s provocative actions. “I think that Gavin Newsom in many ways represents an honesty towards this that is liberating, and that most people who look at the USA would have hoped for more from,” Løkkegaard said in an interview on Denmark’s P1 Morgen. He emphasized that Newsom’s early recognition of the need for a firm response from Europe stands in stark contrast to the European political establishment’s hesitation.
Løkkegaard elaborated on the European reluctance to confront Trump, noting that his behaviour is deeply unfamiliar to European politicians, who typically navigate more diplomatic international relations. “The whole situation with Trump is completely out of the ordinary for us in Europe. We are used to dealing with different forms of leadership, and this unpredictability is a challenge,” he added.
The EU’s ‘Bazooka’: A Diplomatic Tool at the Ready
Løkkegaard’s comments also touched on a potent yet underutilized tool at the EU’s disposal: the so-called “bazooka.” This term refers to the EU’s potential to wield significant economic power to counter American actions that threaten its interests. According to Løkkegaard, European leaders must leverage this tool to show they are not simply passive bystanders.
The EU’s bazooka consists of various sanctions and trade measures that could, for example, block American companies from investing in Europe, restrict their ability to use European patents, or even bar them from bidding on public tenders in the EU. Companies like Microsoft and Johnson & Johnson could be particularly vulnerable to these measures.
Løkkegaard argues that the EU must act decisively, even if it means invoking these drastic measures. “We’re not going to talk too much. That tactic has been used for a whole year now against Trump, because you could quickly sense that it’s something he loves. He’s into it,” Løkkegaard explained. “But it also requires brute force. Donald Trump must constantly have the feeling that there is a big stick somewhere that he can be hit over the head with.”
France Takes a Stronger Stance
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these concerns in his address at Davos, calling on European leaders to embrace the tools the EU has at its disposal to defend itself against external pressure. Macron’s strong rhetoric aligns with Løkkegaard’s belief that Europe must not only resist U.S. coercion but actively shape the global order by using its economic leverage.
In a similar vein, Newsom, known for his candid approach to global politics, described Trump’s negotiating style as “a T-rex dinosaur.” He explained that the U.S. president operates on a primal, binary approach: either you submit to him, or he “eats you.” For Newsom, the key to handling Trump is strength, and he urged European leaders to show the fortitude to stand up to him. “You have to stand up to that,” Newsom said, underlining the importance of asserting one’s position in the face of aggression.
A Third Way?
While Newsom’s blunt assessment reflects the reality of dealing with a leader like Trump, Løkkegaard is more cautious. He believes there may still be room for diplomatic engagement, noting that Europe should explore all possible avenues, including negotiation, before resorting to the EU’s heavy-handed measures.
“I would not rule out that there will be a negotiated solution. After all, it has been seen before,” he mused. “But if the situation escalates further, we cannot rule out the use of the bazooka.”
Løkkegaard added that much depends on the developments that will unfold at the World Economic Forum in the coming days, where President Trump is expected to give a speech. “We are in the middle of the process in the sense that we will hear the speech today, where we will hopefully get some more indications, and then there will be meetings,” he said.
A Global Power Struggle
The growing tension between the EU and the U.S. under Trump’s leadership is a reflection of broader geopolitical shifts, where traditional diplomatic norms are increasingly challenged by more assertive, often confrontational tactics. European leaders, who are accustomed to a more diplomatic style of international relations, must adapt to this new reality. As both Gavin Newsom and Morten Løkkegaard assert, now is the time for Europe to demonstrate its strength, whether through diplomatic means or by wielding the EU’s economic power. The challenge for European leaders will be to balance assertiveness with diplomacy, ensuring that the EU is not perceived as weak or complicit on the global stage.
As Europe navigates this turbulent moment, the stakes are high. A failure to show strength could embolden Trump and further weaken Europe’s global standing. On the other hand, a measured but firm response could restore Europe’s credibility and influence in shaping the future of international relations. The question remains: will Europe find its backbone, or will it continue to allow itself to be sidelined in a world where power is increasingly defined by strength rather than diplomacy?
The Role of European Unity in Defending Global Norms
While Løkkegaard and Newsom’s critiques focus on individual actions, it is important to consider the broader implications for European unity. The EU’s ability to act as a cohesive bloc is critical in navigating tensions with the U.S. Individual member states may have differing priorities, but the EU must present a unified front in dealing with global challenges. The EU’s “bazooka” is a symbol of collective strength, but its effective use will depend on coordination and consensus among all 27 member states.
The situation also underscores the changing dynamics of global power. In an era where the U.S. is often willing to use unilateral pressure, Europe must rethink its role on the world stage. Balancing economic power, diplomatic engagement, and strategic alliances will be key to maintaining Europe’s relevance in the coming years.