Axios: US losing edge as “default choice” for foreign governments

The United States is gradually losing its role as the “default choice” for foreign governments that have traditionally stored gold in the country, purchased weapons from it and sent students there, Axios reports.

Even small moves away from Washington could weaken the advantages that have supported American economic power for decades.

Last week, the Netherlands removed about 86 tons of gold from the United States and Canada, describing the move as protection against “extreme systemic risks.” France has already withdrawn its entire gold reserve from New York, while Germany has announced plans to do the same.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund announced plans to reduce its holdings of US government bonds amid market turbulence.

In the security sphere, Europe is seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States, Reuters reports, by purchasing more locally produced weapons and developing plans for cloud services aimed at reducing the role of American companies.

According to Axios, the number of foreign applications to US colleges has fallen by 10%, a decline attributed to the tougher visa and immigration policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. In 2025, travel to the United States fell by 5.5%, marking the first decline since the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Jeyhun Aghazada