Ursula von der Leyen take swipe at Donald Trump’s inner circle of ‘bros’ and ‘oligarchs’ in warning to West
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has delivered a stark assessment of transatlantic relations, declaring that “the West as we knew it no longer exists”.
The 66-year-old Commission chief painted a grim picture of relations with Washington in comments to German newspaper Die Zeit.
She took direct aim at US President Donald Trump’s administration, criticising its chaotic nature and unpredictable behaviour.
Von der Leyen took a swipe at Trump’s inner circle, comparing them to Russian oligarchs.
“We don’t have bros or oligarchs making the rules,” she fired, in an apparent reference to figures like Elon Musk who have gained influence in Trump’s administration.
Von der Leyen took a swipe at Trump’s inner circle, comparing them to Russian oligarchs
PA
The Commission President emphasised Europe’s commitment to global trade, contrasting it with Washington’s approach.
“Everyone is asking for more trade with Europe – and it’s not just about economic ties. It is also about establishing common rules and it is about predictability,” she said.
Von der Leyen highlighted that while 13 per cent of global trade was with the US, 87 per cent was with other countries.
“Europe is known for its predictability and reliability,” she added.
Trump and his Republican allies have repeatedly attacked the EU as anti-democratic, elitist and weak on borders.
Vice-President JD Vance has gone further, accusing the EU of “cancelling elections” and muzzling right-wing populism through legal and media pressure.
Vance is scheduled to visit Rome on Good Friday to praise Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition as “the future of Europe”.
Meloni will meet Trump on Thursday to press for a trade truce, hoping to convince him to pause retaliatory action on delayed tariffs.
Meloni will meet Trump on Thursday to press for a trade truce, hoping to convince him to pause retaliatory action on delayed tariffs
GETTY
The Italian PM will repeat the EU’s offer to purchase more American liquefied natural gas and weapons.
She will also propose a “zero tariffs for zero tariffs” agreement on industrial products.
Trump recently backed down on tariffs affecting £328billion of European imports following financial market turbulence.
Despite the political storm, von der Leyen insists Europe is emerging as the world’s safe haven of stability.
“It’s often easier to see your own strengths in somebody else’s mirror,” she remarked, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to Trump exposing Western disunity.
She concluded that Europe offers more than just economic opportunity: “You can make money anywhere in the world. But where do you want to raise your children?”
