European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been snubbed by Donald Trump, with her spokeswoman hinting that the EU chief has had no contact with the US president-elect since an initial congratulatory phone call. Von der Leyen, 66, is currently recovering from severe pneumonia, but even if healthy, her chances of attending Trump's inauguration appear slim.
When asked about the EU-US relationship on Friday, spokeswoman Paula Pinto referred to past remarks by von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa expressing eagerness to work with Trump. However, pressed on the response, Pinto said: "Shortly after the elections in the US, there was a call between President von der Leyen and President-elect Trump."
Trump's relationship with von der Leyen has been marked by both cooperation and tension. During his first term, he criticised NATO allies for inadequate defence spending, calling the alliance "obsolete" in 2017. Von der Leyen, then Germany's defence minister, said she was "aghast" and "deeply concerned." In January 2020, they met to discuss trade, with Trump acknowledging her as a "very tough negotiator."
After Trump's re-election in November 2024, von der Leyen congratulated him, saying: "I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump... I look forward to working with him to deepen the transatlantic partnership." Amid concerns about Trump cutting military support for Ukraine, Costa advised against speculation, advocating for early engagement.
It is customary for the European Commission President to be represented by the EU Ambassador to the US at inaugurations. Jean-Claude Juncker did not attend Trump's first inauguration. Trump will be sworn in on January 20.
