Trump lashes out at Nato: will Europe stand up to him? – The Latest

This episode of The Guardian's 'Today in Focus' examines Donald Trump's latest attacks on NATO, framing them as part of a broader pattern of unpredictable and confrontational rhetoric toward Europe amid escalating tensions over the Iran war. Host Lucy Half and Europe correspondent John Henley discuss how European nations—once divided—are now showing growing unity in resisting U.S. pressure, particularly over military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz. Key concerns include the lack of consultation, unclear strategic objectives, economic risks such as a potential energy crisis worse than the 1970s oil shocks, and the diversion of U.S. military resources from Ukraine. The episode highlights how European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, are pushing for multilateral peacekeeping only after a ceasefire, rejecting unilateral military action. Despite Trump’s threats and the influence of figures like Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, European resolve is hardening, driven by both strategic caution and domestic political pressures. The discussion underscores a deepening rift between the U.S. and its European allies, with European governments increasingly unwilling to be 'dragged into' a war they did not initiate. The episode also touches on the geopolitical complexity within the EU, where northern, southern, and Central/Eastern states have divergent priorities—ranging from energy security to migration and Ukraine. The hosts emphasize that while Trump’s unpredictability and shifting demands have long been a source of frustration, the current moment represents a turning point: Europe is no longer willing to accept a 'blank check' for U.S. foreign policy. The episode concludes with a recommendation for a new Guardian Investigates series, 'Off Duty,' which explores a wrongful conviction case in Chicago, underscoring the podcast’s broader commitment to investigative journalism.