Trump: Europe is heading in a 'bad direction'

(Patria) - US President Donald Trump said that Europe is heading in "very bad directions", which was a new blow just days after his new security strategy sharply criticized the continent over mass migration, AFP reported.

Trump criticized the "ugly" $140 million fine imposed by the European Union on tech tycoon Elon Musk over the X social network, although he admitted he didn't know much about it, before expanding his attack.

"You see, Europe has to be very careful. They are doing a lot of things. We want Europe to remain Europe," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"Europe is heading in some bad directions. It's very bad, very bad for the people. We don't want Europe to change so much. They are heading in some very bad directions."

The Republican's comments followed criticism in the new US National Security Strategy for Europe, released last week, as being too regulated and facing "civilizational erasure" due to migration.

In unusual language directed at close allies, the strategy stated that Trump's administration would "cultivate resistance to Europe's current trajectory within European nations".

Trump and Europeans are also increasingly at odds over US plans to end the war in Ukraine, with fears in Europe that Washington intends to force Kyiv to cede territory to Russia.

The Kremlin welcomed the changes in Trump's strategy, saying on Saturday that it was "largely consistent" with Russia's vision.

Trump's stance on Europe mirrors that of Musk, a former ally of the president, who has repeatedly made inflammatory claims about migration in the European Union.

Musk, after X was fined for violating EU digital rules, said the bloc should be "abolished". Brussels dismissed his statements as "completely crazy".

Asked about the fine, Trump said "I don't think it's right" before clarifying that "Elon didn't call me to ask for help on this issue" and said he would get more details later.