NYT: Europe struggles to secure direct access to Trump

European leaders are increasingly finding it difficult to engage with the Trump administration as the U.S. president’s unconventional approach to diplomacy and foreign relations leaves allies uncertain of where they stand.

Despite the European Union's economic influence and historical alliances with Washington, officials have expressed frustration at the lack of clarity and direct communication with President Trump, Caliber.Az reports per The New York Times.

For European diplomats, navigating the Trump administration resembles manoeuvring through a maze of courtiers and advisers, with the president himself often difficult to reach. Some European leaders, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have managed to secure meetings with Trump, but for many others, direct access remains elusive.

Notably, high-ranking figures like European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have struggled to meet the president, with repeated attempts yielding no results.

The lack of traditional diplomatic channels has led Europe to rely on non-traditional intermediaries, including individuals such as Elon Musk and other special envoys who have better access to the Oval Office.

However, European officials remain unsure whether these informal communications truly reflect Trump’s views or whether his advisers hold any real influence over foreign policy decisions. The opaque nature of the administration’s decision-making has prompted frustration among European allies, especially as U.S. policies seem to shift unpredictably.

Adding to the strain is Trump's view of Europe as a rival rather than a partner. The president has been openly sceptical of multilateral institutions, including NATO and the European Union, and his “America First” agenda has sidelined European concerns. While some U.S. officials, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, maintain cordial relations with their European counterparts, it remains unclear how much power they wield in shaping the administration’s policies.

This lack of cohesion and direct dialogue has put Europe in a vulnerable position, particularly regarding key issues like Ukraine and trade. European officials, who have long supported NATO and the EU as cornerstones of global stability, now find themselves questioning the Trump administration’s commitment to these alliances.

As Europe continues to search for a clearer line to Washington, it is evident that the Trump White House remains unpredictable, with European leaders facing the challenge of balancing diplomatic engagement with uncertainty about U.S. priorities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev