President Donald Trump trashes so many norms that it’s easy to overlook how outlandish some of his actions are. But seldom, if ever, have presidents interjected themselves as brazenly as Trump has done in foreign politics. In an unsuccessful attempt to force Brazil’s judiciary to free Bolsonaro, Trump even imposed 50 percent tariffs on that country. By aligning the U.S. with individual leaders, Trump also risks making an enemy of the political opposition in their countries — and thereby inviting a backlash. Little wonder that far-right leaders in Europe denounced Trump’s attempted takeover of Greenland and sought to distance themselves from the American leader.

Source: Washington Post February 16, 2026 19:31 UTC