EU alarmed by Trump’s selection of running mate

There is increasing concern in Europe regarding the potential impact of Donald Trump's second presidential term on US foreign policy.

The appointment of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance to his campaign has further fueled doubts about the future administration's commitment to Ukraine and NATO, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

“This is a disaster for Ukraine.” Those were the words of a senior EU official as Europe reacted to Donald Trump's selection of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate. Vance's stance on Ukraine has been clear. In a 2022 interview with Steve Bannon, he stated, “I got to be honest with you, I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another.”

In February 2024, during his first appearance at the Munich Security Conference, Vance told POLITICO that the US needed to reassess its support for Ukraine and skipped a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation and other senators. His rhetoric has since toughened, with the 39-year-old senator criticising Europe's reliance on the US for military spending and specifically condemning Germany for not meeting the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of GDP.

J.D. Vance is a prominent figure in American politics, known for his diverse background and outspoken views.

Vance entered the political arena with a candidacy for the US Senate in Ohio. He aligned himself with the populist wing of the Republican Party, emphasising themes of economic nationalism and cultural conservatism. His campaign received significant backing from prominent figures, including venture capitalist Peter Thiel and former President Donald Trump.

As a US Senator, Vance quickly made a name for himself with his sharp critiques of both Democratic and Republican establishments. He focused on issues such as economic inequality, opioid addiction, and the influence of big tech companies. Vance also became known for his skeptical views on US foreign interventions and advocated for a more restrained foreign policy.

In 2024, Vance was chosen as Donald Trump's running mate for the presidential election, a decision that has generated significant attention and concern, especially in Europe. His selection has been seen as indicative of a potential shift in US foreign policy, raising questions about future support for NATO and other international alliances.