The Trump administration has accused Europe of being an 'incubator' for terrorism fuelled by mass migration, according to a new counter-terrorism strategy unveiled on Wednesday. The 16-page report, led by White House counterterrorism tsar Sebastian Gorka, also places drug cartels in the Americas at the centre of counter-terrorism efforts and targets what it calls 'violent left-wing extremists,' including 'radically pro-transgender' groups.
Strong Language Against Europe
The strategy reserves some of its strongest language for Europe, home to numerous US allies who will be alarmed to see their continent in the Trump administration's crosshairs once again. 'It is clear to all that well-organised hostile groups exploit open borders and related globalist ideals. The more these alien cultures grow, and the longer current European policies persist, the more terrorism is guaranteed,' the strategy states. It adds that 'as the birthplace of Western culture and values, Europe must act now and halt its willful decline.'
While the report acknowledges that European nations remain the US's 'preeminent and long-term counterterrorism partners,' it warns: 'The world is safer when Europe is strong, but Europe is greatly threatened and is both a terror target and an incubator of terror threats.' This fresh criticism comes just months after Trump's national security strategy said Europe faced 'civilizational erasure' due to immigration.
Focus on Drug Cartels and Left-Wing Groups
The strategy further places drug cartels in the Americas at the centre of counter-terrorism efforts. The Trump administration has moved aggressively to reshape the western hemisphere, including the ouster of Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela's president, dozens of US military strikes on alleged drug boats operated by cartels, and new pressure on Cuba. Since early September, the administration's campaign of blowing up alleged drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters has killed at least 191 people.
Left-wing groups remain a major preoccupation for the Republican president's administration. The strategy targets what it calls 'violent Left-Wing Extremists, including Anarchists and Anti-Fascists,' and says US counter-terrorism efforts will 'prioritize the rapid identification and neutralization of violent secular political groups whose ideology is anti-American, radically pro-transgender, and anarchist.' Since returning to power last year, Trump has demonised recognition of gender diversity and transgender people, banning transwomen from women's sports and signing an executive order proclaiming only two genders.
Administration's Stance on Allies
Gorka said administration officials would meet with allies later this week to discuss bolstering their counter-terrorism strategies. 'As the president made very clear, we will measure your seriousness as a partner and ally by how much you bring to the table,' he told reporters, adding that the US expects 'more' from its partners. Trump has also recently lashed out at European Nato allies for failing to help with his war on Iran.
