In the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, European leaders are reassessing their security strategies and calling for greater self-reliance, as they brace for a U.S. foreign policy shift that is expected to be less predictable and more transactional. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at a European summit, urged that Europe should no longer “delegate forever our security to America.”

During his first term, Trump’s criticisms of longstanding U.S. alliances, especially NATO, and his controversial stance on military support for Ukraine and Taiwan raised alarm among traditional allies. Trump’s rhetoric, which has been skeptical of U.S. commitments to defending democracies abroad, has led European countries to strengthen their defense efforts. Nations like France and Germany have already bolstered military spending, while Canada and Australia are reevaluating their defense partnerships with the U.S. in anticipation of Trump’s return to power.

Supporters of Trump argue that his approach is not isolationist but rather focused on selectively engaging in military conflicts where the U.S. has a clear strategic interest. Victoria Coates, a former security adviser to Trump, pointed to his firm stance on supporting Israel as evidence of his global engagement, despite his more restrained approach elsewhere.

However, concerns persist about Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Taiwan. Critics warn that a rushed end to the war in Ukraine could embolden Russia, while his stance on Taiwan—suggesting that unpredictability might deter China—has raised alarms about regional stability.

As the U.S. role in global affairs continues to evolve, European allies are preparing for a future where American leadership may be less reliable, and they are increasingly focusing on strengthening their military capabilities.