Trump’s damage is done. Democrats – and Europe – are struggling to define what’s next

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🗞️ Driving the news: At the Munich Security Conference, Democratic figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the severe damage to transatlantic relations caused by President Trump’s foreign policies
• Newsom acknowledged that many European leaders view the damage as permanent, while other Democratic figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, struggled with key foreign policy issues, pointing out the difficulty of restoring America's global position

🔭 The context: The conference marked a stark contrast to the post-World War II consensus on international cooperation
• Trump's actions, particularly on issues like military involvement in Taiwan and the treatment of global allies, have left Europe questioning America’s reliability and leadership
• As Democrats seek to reclaim influence, they face the challenge of repairing long-term damage to alliances and global trust

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The erosion of the "rules-based international order" impacts global stability and cooperation, including on climate issues
• With Trump undermining international commitments, Europe is questioning how it can address major global challenges like climate change without consistent American leadership

⏭️ What’s next: With the U.S. heading into critical 2028 elections, the key question is whether Democrats can repair the damage to America’s international standing and reshape its global role, especially in climate diplomacy

💬 One quote: "The international order based on rights and rules is in the process of being destroyed." – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

📈 One stat: A significant portion of European leaders now views the damage to transatlantic relations as permanent, with some questioning if the U.S. can ever return to its former global leadership role

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