FOR EUROPE, the tremors arrived in rapid and perplexing succession. Initially, Pete Hegseth, America’s Secretary of Defense, informed allies that his nation would no longer serve as the “primary guarantor” of European security. Mere hours later, Donald Trump indicated he would engage in negotiations with Russia, bypassing Ukraine and Europe. Then, on February 14th, at the annual Munich Security Conference, J.D. Vance, the Vice President (pictured), launched a fierce critique of Europe, effectively endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, just nine days ahead of the nation’s elections. After decades of relying on America as their ally, many European leaders and officials began to question whether the foundations of European security were crumbling before their very eyes.
