Europe | Charlemagne

Can the good ship Europe weather the Trumpnado?

Tossed by political storms, the continent must dodge a new threat

The “Trumpnado”, a wave shaped like Donald Trump's profile, crushing a boat with a European flag.
Illustration: Peter Schrank

The crew of a boat whose rudder has fallen off can do little but pray for calm weather and a speedy way to safe harbour. Democracies caught in political gales similarly hope for more placid times as they work out how to chart a new course. Alas, Europe finds itself in the midst of a perfect storm. Not only is its economy facing stiff headwinds; voters are routinely tossing their leaders overboard, and war on the continent has rocked the boat for three years now. Amid these heavy waters, an even more concerning prospect is focusing minds. A superstorm of uncertain severity—call it the Trumpnado—seems to be headed straight in this rickety craft’s direction. All hands are on deck to try to limit the damage. But the prospects for plain sailing look as distant as ever for the good ship Europe.

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This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Lost at sea”

From the January 18th 2025 edition

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