Elon Musk has just shown why Trump is now the danger from within

Summary

From a British and European perspective, the commentary argues that the United States under Donald Trump can no longer be treated simply as an unreliable ally and is beginning to act like an adversary.

It identifies several moves that, in the speaker’s view, strengthen Russia’s position in its war against Ukraine:

• A reported US–Russia arrangement would allow Russian diesel imports despite sanctions. The speaker argues this would do little to lower US fuel prices, while potentially helping Russia repair refineries damaged by Ukrainian attacks and support its wider economy.
• The US has reportedly threatened to cut off, or has cut off, intelligence support to Ukraine, potentially reducing its ability to receive advance warning of Russian attacks.
• Restrictions on Starlink terminals could limit Ukraine’s communications and use of drones, weakening its ability to defend itself and strike Russian forces.

The commentary places these actions alongside Russia’s hybrid campaign against the UK and other European countries, Trump’s threats toward Greenland and Canada, and his support for far-right groups in Europe that the speaker describes as pro-Russian. Taken together, these developments are presented as a pattern that risks making the US a hostile force in Europe.

Presenter/contributor: Sam Kiley, world affairs editor.