Donald Trump has invoked his European heritage while criticizing the continent’s immigration policies, stating “my roots are in Europe” as he attacked demographic changes in major cities. The president’s appeal to ancestry comes as he simultaneously pressures Ukraine on territorial concessions to Russia.
Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace framework would force President Zelenskyy to accept land transfers to Russia within days. American diplomatic efforts have focused on achieving rapid agreement, with Trump publicly characterizing Russia as holding military advantages. The vague nature of proposed US security commitments in exchange for territorial losses has raised questions about Ukrainian sovereignty.
The president’s rhetoric about Europe employed explicitly racial framing regarding immigration and demographic change. Trump claimed that European nations are “destroying themselves” through immigration policies, using language that emphasized the racial and religious composition of immigrant populations from Africa and the Middle East. His invocation of his own European roots while criticizing diversity has been interpreted as suggesting a connection between heritage and opposition to multiculturalism.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan again became a target of Trump’s personal attacks, with the president using exceptionally harsh language. Trump’s criticism of London centered on demographic shifts and Khan’s leadership, with the attacks appearing connected to Khan’s identity as London’s first Muslim mayor. Khan responded by expressing bewilderment at Trump’s apparent obsession while defending London’s character and success.
European leaders have responded with unified rejection of Trump’s worldview. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Europe can manage its own democratic affairs, while EU officials characterized the White House stance as provocative interference. Trump’s invocation of his European heritage while simultaneously attacking European diversity has been noted as particularly problematic by critics, who see it as implying that only certain types of Europeans are legitimate. Pope Leo XIV joined political leaders in warning that Trump’s approach threatens the transatlantic alliance.