"Trump’s two complementary ideological threads—on one side the Roman Empire, on the other “Judeo-Christian” values—serve to drive the second Trump administration’s views: liberalism is a disease, with tradition its cure; and Europe is a supranational adversary to be conquered."

Uh oh. Peter Navarro must have had an early morning at the White House.

Make sure to read @tobiasgehrke.bsky.social on the cards that Europe has in this game of high stakes hold 'em. (link in thread)

3/"These cases reveal a bully’s logic: Trump was willing to say nearly anything to establish dominance or deterrence, but he was unwilling to act when the consequences could involve a major war, especially with a nuclear or near-nuclear power."

2/"Trump uses threats and force much like a playground bully: while large and outwardly powerful, he actually fears the use of force in any situation even vaguely resembling a fair fight."

1/Over two presidential terms, Donald Trump has used threats to intimidate his adversaries and mostly only employed force against his weaker victims. This pattern of bullying provides an insight into his future decision-making. @jyshapiro.bsky.social @ecfr.eu