European diplomats ‘terrified’ at prospect of Trump winning in 2024, report says
European diplomats are not overlooking the possibility that Donald Trump might secure a second term in the Oval Office if he is re-elected in 2024, and are actively formulating back-up strategies in case this scenario materialises, according to a report. The prospect of Mr Trump returning to the White House has become an important topic of discussion in private conversations, with some calling it “terrifying”, The New York Times reported. Steven Everts, a European Union diplomat who is set to become the director of the European Union Institute for Security Studies, told the outlet that his colleagues were relieved at US president Joe Biden’s response to the Ukraine war. But they are now being “forced to confront the Trump question again”. “It’s slightly terrifying, it’s fair to say,” he said. He noted that the US plays an important role in European security, and said that diplomats will now “have to think again about what this means for our own politics, for European defence and for Ukraine itself”. The discussions around the potential fallout if Mr Trump returns to power are intensifying as the former president is emerging as a strong challenger for the Republican presidential nomination, tying up with his popularity in opinion polls despite a slew of indictments against him. Fresh polling conducted by the Associated Press-Norc Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that almost two-thirds of Republicans, specifically 63 per cent, are now expressing their desire that the former president run for office again. This marks a marginal increase from April’s figure of 55 per cent, which was recorded when Mr Trump was beginning to confront a string of criminal allegations. Additionally, Mr Trump’s favourability rating among Republicans has climbed, with seven in 10 respondents holding a positive opinion of him, up from the 60 per cent reported two months earlier. The possibility that the former president could secure a second term has not escaped the attention of Western Europeans – especially in Germany, given the notable animosity Mr Trump appears to harbour towards the country. A second term as president “would be different from the first, and much worse”, Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff, a former official in the German government, told the Times. “Trump has experience now and knows what levers to pull, and he’s angry,” he said. He added that the former chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, had known how to deal with Mr Trump and had talked about “managing the man”. One of the primary concerns of US allies pertains to the potential impact of a Trump comeback on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a situation in which many European countries have significant involvement. During his presidency, Mr Trump threatened to withdraw Washington from Nato, and withheld assistance from Ukraine as it grappled with a Russian-supported rebellion – a matter that contributed to his first impeachment. He also gave the order to withdraw thousands of US troops from Germany, in a decision that was subsequently reversed by Mr Biden. If Mr Trump returned to power following the 2024 election, it is possible that Ukraine will still be in deep conflict with Russia, a country that has continued to make subtle and even direct threats to use nuclear weapons in the region. Mr Trump has said he would end the war in a day, which analysts have said suggests that he would force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. Read More Trump sparks derision for saying he was ‘apple of Putin’s eye’ as EU diplomats ‘terrified’ of 2024 win – live Biden hails ‘a new era in partnership’ as US, Japan and Korea announce ‘Camp David Principles’ Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft suffers technical glitch in pre-landing maneuver Indictment shows White House lawyers struggling for control as Trump fought to overturn election Ecuadorians choosing a new president amid increasing violence that may scare away voters Guatemalans head to the polls, hoping their new leader will bring real change
1970-01-01 08:00
Taika Waititi plans to introduce 'formidable' new villain in Thor 5
Taika Waititi wants to introduce a "formidable" new foe for the God of Thunder if he gets to direct 'Thor 5'.
1970-01-01 08:00
Paintings of refugees given to 'show hosts' generosity'
A Ukrainian refugee who came to Cornwall paints Britons sheltering refugees with an umbrella.
1970-01-01 08:00
3 sets of twins and 2 brothers make history for the University at Buffalo's medical school
The University at Buffalo admitted three sets of twins and two brothers to its Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences' class of 2027. It's the first time in the program's history eight siblings are expected to graduate from the school together.
1970-01-01 08:00
Category 1 Hurricane Hilary barrels towards California, still threatening floods and damaging winds
Hurricane Hilary is expected to slam into Southern California on Sunday as a rare tropical storm, unleashing floods, fierce winds and heavy downpours as residents evacuate, parks and beaches close and first responders brace for water rescues.
1970-01-01 08:00
Customs officers seize over $380,000 worth of cocaine off bus from Mexico
US customs officers in Texas discovered nearly two dozen packages of cocaine on a commercial bus coming from Mexico.
1970-01-01 08:00
Framber Valdez restrained after starting benches-clearing drama vs. Mariners
Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez had to be restrained after hitting Seattle Mariners shortstop Jose Caballero with a pitch.In the fifth inning of Saturday's game between the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros, Dylan Moore smashed a home run off of Framber Valdez to stretch the Mariner...
1970-01-01 08:00
3 Chicago White Sox free agents the franchise should let go, 1 to re-sign
DENVER — With the Chicago White Sox entering Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies with a 48-74 record, it's clear some changes need to happen on the South Side.While the White Sox are not in the bottom of the American League Central (that dubious honor belongs to the Kans...
1970-01-01 08:00
Georgia quarterback battle settled: Kirby Smart names obvious starter
Kirby Smart and the Georgia football program have settled on their day-one starter at quarterback.Georgia football will look to accomplish a rare three-peat this season. Despite off-field noise and several changes throughout the program, UGA is No. 1 in the preseason AP poll. The Dawgs are expec...
1970-01-01 08:00
Sudan conflict: Black market AK-47s flood Sudan's capital
Khartoum has become lawless after four months of war, forcing some residents to arm themselves.
1970-01-01 08:00
Jews in the German Army: Different generations reflect on changing attitudes
How Germany's reckoning with its past has changed the experience of Jews in the Armed Forces.
1970-01-01 08:00
Vietnam War: The pastor who survived 17 years in forgotten jungle army
In 1975, Y Hin Nie fled the Vietnamese army into the jungle. He didn't emerge until 1992.
1970-01-01 08:00
