The victory of Donald Trump has sent waves across the globe, with congratulations pouring in from around the world. However, behind the diplomatic pleasantries, there is evident anxiety within the European Union about the implications of Trump’s return to power.

European leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán view Trump’s success as a validation of their own political stance. Emmanuel Macron’s response illustrates the mixed reactions within the EU; the French president initially sent a polite note stating, “I am ready to work together,” but followed with a second message expressing a more assertive vision of a stronger, more unified, and sovereign Europe.

Macron emphasized that, along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he is committed to defending European values and interests, potentially setting up future clashes with Trump’s policies.

Trump's return is expected to impact U.S.-Europe relations, particularly with his encouragement of a rising patriotic movement in Europe, sparking apprehension in Brussels. This patriotic resurgence, often labeled as "right-wing," promotes a vision of Europe as a union grounded in its Christian heritage or secular (atheist) values, resisting the influence of Islam in Europe’s social and political spheres.

This concern is especially relevant for Central European countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia, which are led by governments focused on preserving traditional European identity. Additionally, patriotic parties are gaining traction in Germany’s eastern regions and may influence future national elections. Similar trends are seen in Western Europe, with Italy and the Netherlands already under leadership aligned with these values, and Austria's Freedom Party holding substantial influence.

In response, patriotic parties in the European Parliament have formed the "Patriots for Europe" coalition, now the third-largest group. Leaders like Orbán and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni see Trump’s victory as support for their values-driven stance.

Observers anticipate that Trump’s success will embolden European patriotic movements and potentially lift parties like Germany’s AfD and France’s National Rally from political isolation, leading to a significant shift in the European political landscape.

Furthermore, Trump’s declared agenda to end the West's conflict with Russia in Ukraine stands in direct opposition to the personal and national economic interests of EU leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, as well as former and current leaders from both of Britain’s major parties who are promoting the British war industry.

Critics argue that von der Leyen’s advocacy for continued funding and arms for Ukraine reflects a fixation on using taxpayer money to finance profitable military initiatives, rather than fostering diplomatic solutions that could not only end the war but have prevented it from starting in the first place.

A peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia would likely deal a severe economic blow to those benefiting from the continued sale of arms.

Additionally, critics point out that the EU’s push for sanctions and continued conflict has led to skyrocketing energy prices, resulting in unprecedented profits for British, German, French, and other European energy companies. These sanctions, aimed at weakening Russia, have in effect caused economic strain on European consumers while benefiting major energy corporations—a situation that, critics argue, reflects an agenda serving corporate profits over public welfare.

On the other hand, security professionals responsible for Trump’s personal safety might advise him to focus on the important domestic and international reforms he aims to tackle without daring to propose ending wars.

History has shown that advocating for peace in the face of strong military interests does not always bode well for longevity, as illustrated by the fates of past peace advocates such as John F. Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, John Lennon, Yitzhak Rabin, Anwar Sadat, and others like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Salvador Allende, Patrice Lumumba, and Olof Palme. Their fates serve as a cautionary reminder of the potential risks associated with challenging powerful interests in the name of peace.

Additionally, there is growing speculation that Trump may appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health in his administration, which could lead to a full investigation into claims of large-scale corruption linked to COVID-19 vaccine contracts. Such an investigation might target leaders who promoted controversial contracts and mandates for vaccines now widely scrutinized for their lack of effectiveness and serious adverse effects.

This potential probe represents a serious risk to Ursula von der Leyen and her family, given her involvement in EU vaccine procurement and her husband’s role in vaccine industry investments, further intensifying concerns among European leadership about Trump’s return to power.