Donald Trump has called some unnamed European leaders “real stupid” as part of a broader attack on the continent’s immigration policies and governance. The president’s insults come as he simultaneously pressures Ukraine to accept territorial concessions to Russia.
Trump’s proposed Ukraine peace framework would force President Zelenskyy to cede territory to Russia within an extremely compressed timeframe. US envoys have reportedly given Ukraine only days to respond to terms that would exchange concrete territorial losses for unclear American security commitments. Trump’s public statements about Russian military superiority have been criticized as undermining Ukraine’s negotiating position.
The president’s characterization of Europe employed inflammatory language regarding immigration and demographic change. Trump claimed that European nations are “destroying themselves” through immigration policies, calling some European leaders “real stupid” for their approaches. He used explicitly racial framing to describe immigrants from Africa and the Middle East, suggesting their presence fundamentally threatens European civilization.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan received exceptionally harsh personal attacks from Trump, with the president calling him “vicious,” “disgusting,” and “incompetent.” Trump’s hostility toward Khan has persisted across multiple years and appears connected to Khan’s identity as London’s first Muslim mayor. Khan responded by expressing bewilderment at Trump’s apparent obsession while defending London’s success and diverse character.
European leaders have responded with remarkable unity in rejecting Trump’s insults and approach. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made clear that Europe can manage its own democratic affairs, while EU officials characterized the White House stance as provocative interference. Trump’s direct insults toward European leaders, combined with his inflammatory rhetoric about immigration, have created unprecedented diplomatic tension. Pope Leo XIV joined political leaders in warning that Trump’s approach threatens the transatlantic alliance, with European discussions about strategic autonomy accelerating significantly.
