The mood at European U.S. embassies hosting Christmas parties is somber due to President Donald Trump's contempt for America's allies and his recent actions, writes Politico.
„After attending several European embassy Christmas parties this week, it's clear that the mood is pretty grim. It was as if the Europeans of Whoville watched in horror as the Grinch stole Christmas, the article said.
The Grinch is famous for being the character in the American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film who “stole Christmas“.
The authors point to the recently adopted new US national security strategy, which criticizes Europe, as well as Trump's “disparaging remarks“ about Europeans in his latest interview.
“The Western alliance has collapsed. Relations will never be the same,“ said a European diplomat, who requested anonymity.
At the same time, another source echoed Trump's description of Europe. “Trump is doing us a favor by “encouraging us to be stronger and more capable allies,“ he said. However, the diplomat doubts that the US president wants the EU to become stronger.
Previously, US President Donald Trump said that Europe only talks about Ukraine, but does nothing to resolve the conflict between Moscow and Kiev.
At the same time, the American leader noted that he has no enemies in Europe and likes local leaders, but in many respects they are “not up to par“. According to the American president, his European colleagues are “weak“ and often do not understand what they are doing.