A bombshell leak has sent shockwaves through European capitals after reports emerged that Washington is allegedly pushing for four nations to quit the European Union as part of a sweeping new “Make Europe Great Again” strategy under U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to an unpublished draft of the National Security Strategy (NSS) obtained by Defense One, the United States aims to encourage Austria, Italy, Hungary and Poland to “move closer into the American orbit” by breaking from the EU entirely. The document reportedly argues that Washington should support governments and political movements that champion “sovereignty” and the “restoration of traditional European ways of life.”
This comes just days after a partial, official version of the NSS caused uproar by warning of “civilisational erasure” in Europe due to mass migration and expanding censorship. The leaked, more expansive version portrays Brussels as a destabilizing force that weakens national sovereignty, fuels discord and restricts freedoms.
Despite widespread anger across the EU, the White House has defended the published strategy. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly insisted Trump is “transparent,” saying the official NSS fully reflects his priorities.
The leak has intensified tensions at a moment when relations between Washington and Europe are already strained — particularly over the Ukraine war. Trump recently admitted to having “strong words” with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s Emmanuel Macron over strategy disagreements. Merz confirmed friction but said further talks are expected.
The four countries named — Italy, Hungary, Poland and Austria — align closely with Trump’s most enthusiastic political allies in Europe. Trump has repeatedly praised Hungary’s Viktor Orban, maintained strong ties with Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki, and spoken glowingly of Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, calling her “fantastic.” Austria under Chancellor Christian Stocker reportedly rounds out the group Washington hopes to pull further away from Brussels.
Reaction across Europe was swift and divided.
Leslie Vinjamuri of Chatham House described the alleged plan as “the end of the post–Cold War liberal international order.”
European Council President António Costa warned, “The United States cannot choose Europe’s political parties for European citizens.”
Others struck a more cautious tone. Germany’s Merz called parts of the strategy “understandable,” but said Europe must grow more militarily independent from Washington. Poland’s Donald Tusk urged unity, saying: “Dear American friends, Europe is your closest ally, not your problem.”
But far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders celebrated the leak, praising Trump for “speaking the truth” about Europe’s immigration policies.
Defense One reports that the longer draft also outlines an even broader geopolitical shift, suggesting U.S. hegemony is no longer viable, advocating reduced American involvement in European defense, and proposing a new “Core 5” power structure consisting of the U.S., China, Russia, India and Japan.
The White House has dismissed the leaked material, insisting the draft is false. “No alternative, private, or classified version exists,” Kelly said. “Those claiming insider knowledge are distant from the President and have no idea what they are talking about.”