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Thursday, Feb 19, 2026
Outside the box.
European Parliament Reacts to Trump’s Inauguration as U.S. President
Diverse responses from European parliamentary groups as Donald Trump assumes U.S. presidency.
On January 21, the European Parliament experienced the reverberations of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, reflecting a spectrum of reactions from various political groups.
The response was marked by considerations of strategic cooperation and concerns over policy directions.
The European People’s Party (EPP) emphasized a strategic alliance with the new U.S. administration.
Manfred Weber, the EPP group leader, accentuated the importance of cooperation and finding mutual solutions, especially on issues related to China.
He also underscored the necessity for Europe to maintain its own strength and unity, particularly in the face of possible U.S. tariffs on European imports.
This approach was echoed by Adam Szłapka from Poland, representing the Presidency of the Council of the EU, who highlighted a 'constructive confrontation' with the new U.S. administration.
The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) expressed apprehension.
Iratxe García Pérez, the group leader, called for European unity in reinforcing leadership globally and upholding strategic autonomy, especially in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreements and the World Health Organization.
PD MEP Brando Benifei echoed this sentiment, advocating for clear communication and mutual respect between the EU and the U.S.
Liberal, Green, and radical left groups voiced stronger criticisms.
Valérie Hayer of Renew Europe criticized Trump's 'America First' stance and the absence of acknowledgment of Europe or Ukraine in his inaugural address.
Green co-leader Terry Reintke expressed concerns over potential damage to global order and democratic principles.
The Left’s co-leader Manon Aubry highlighted the potential risk of Europe becoming overly compliant with U.S. policies.
While critical voices dominated, some groups were more favorable to the new administration.
ECR co-chair Nicola Procaccini noted shared conservative values and policies with Trump’s administration, while Carlo Fidanza from the Fratelli d’Italia saw the inauguration as an opportunity to shift industrial policies towards Atlantic alignment.
The variance in reactions underscores the differing views within the European Parliament on how best to engage with the new U.S. administration and maintain a balanced transatlantic relationship.
The response was marked by considerations of strategic cooperation and concerns over policy directions.
The European People’s Party (EPP) emphasized a strategic alliance with the new U.S. administration.
Manfred Weber, the EPP group leader, accentuated the importance of cooperation and finding mutual solutions, especially on issues related to China.
He also underscored the necessity for Europe to maintain its own strength and unity, particularly in the face of possible U.S. tariffs on European imports.
This approach was echoed by Adam Szłapka from Poland, representing the Presidency of the Council of the EU, who highlighted a 'constructive confrontation' with the new U.S. administration.
The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) expressed apprehension.
Iratxe García Pérez, the group leader, called for European unity in reinforcing leadership globally and upholding strategic autonomy, especially in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreements and the World Health Organization.
PD MEP Brando Benifei echoed this sentiment, advocating for clear communication and mutual respect between the EU and the U.S.
Liberal, Green, and radical left groups voiced stronger criticisms.
Valérie Hayer of Renew Europe criticized Trump's 'America First' stance and the absence of acknowledgment of Europe or Ukraine in his inaugural address.
Green co-leader Terry Reintke expressed concerns over potential damage to global order and democratic principles.
The Left’s co-leader Manon Aubry highlighted the potential risk of Europe becoming overly compliant with U.S. policies.
While critical voices dominated, some groups were more favorable to the new administration.
ECR co-chair Nicola Procaccini noted shared conservative values and policies with Trump’s administration, while Carlo Fidanza from the Fratelli d’Italia saw the inauguration as an opportunity to shift industrial policies towards Atlantic alignment.
The variance in reactions underscores the differing views within the European Parliament on how best to engage with the new U.S. administration and maintain a balanced transatlantic relationship.
