Leaked document ‘reveals U.S ‘wants 4 countries to exit EU ‘as part of dramatic new “Make Europe Great Again” strategy

Friday, December 12, 2025 - Washington reportedly wants to see four countries leave the European Union as part of a dramatic new “Make Europe Great Again” strategy under Donald Trump, according to a leaked document that has triggered shockwaves across Europe. The alleged full draft of the National Security Strategy claims the United States should encourage Austria, Italy, Hungary and Poland to move closer into the American orbit by quitting the bloc altogether.

A partial version of the NSS released last week had already sparked outrage after warning of “civilisational erasure” in Europe due to what it described as destructive open migration and censorship policies. But the unpublished draft seen by US outlet Defense One goes even further, suggesting Washington should “work more with…the goal of pulling [the four countries] away from the [European Union],” backing governments and movements that “seek sovereignty and preservation/restoration of traditional European ways of life.”

The leak emerged just days after the official 33 page strategy stunned European governments with blunt claims that some longstanding allies may no longer be reliable partners. Despite anger across the EU, the White House stood firmly behind its published version. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said: “President Trump is transparent and has signed a national security strategy that clearly directs the US government to implement its established principles and priorities.”

According to Defense One, the unpublished draft outlines an overhaul in the US approach to Europe, portraying Brussels as an institution that erodes sovereignty, restricts freedoms and fuels instability through mass migration. It surfaced in the midst of an already tense atmosphere following Trump’s renewed attacks on EU policies. In interviews this week, he said Europe’s leaders were “destroying” their countries through migration, claiming some nations were “falling apart.”

The leak also escalated tensions between Washington and Europe as the two sides disputed strategy over the war in Ukraine. Trump recently disclosed that “strong words” were exchanged during a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Merz acknowledged there had been friction but said more discussions were planned and hinted at a potential meeting next week.

The countries named in the alleged US strategy align closely with Trump’s strongest political allies in Europe. He has repeatedly praised Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, exempted Budapest from certain sanctions over Russian energy, and maintained close relations with Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki. Trump has also spoken warmly of Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, describing her as a “fantastic woman” who has “taken Europe by storm.” Austria, under Chancellor Christian Stocker, reportedly rounds out the list of countries the US aims to bring closer.

The draft proposal reportedly calls for backing political and cultural movements that protect “traditional European ways of life… while remaining pro American.” Reaction across Europe was swift and severe. Leslie Vinjamuri of Chatham House said: “This is Donald Trump drawing a line in the sand – the end of the post Cold War liberal international order.” European Council President António Costa responded sharply, saying: “The United States cannot replace European citizens in choosing which are the right parties and which are the wrong parties.”

Germany’s Merz took a more cautious approach, calling some parts of the strategy “understandable” but insisting Europe must become “much more independent from the US in terms of security policy.” Poland’s Donald Tusk appealed for stability, saying: “Dear American friends, Europe is your closest ally, not your problem… We need to stick to this, this is the only reasonable strategy [for] our common security.”

However, not all European leaders condemned the leak. Dutch far right politician Geert Wilders welcomed it, writing: “President @realDonaldTrump @POTUS speaks the truth… Europe is changing rapidly into a medieval continent thanks to open borders and mass immigration.”

Defense One reported that the longer draft also touches on a broader vision of global power, suggesting US hegemony “wasn’t achievable,” proposing reduced American commitment to European defence, and floating the creation of a new “Core 5” grouping consisting of the US, China, Russia, India and Japan.

The White House has dismissed the leaked sections entirely. Kelly said: “No alternative, private, or classified version exists,” adding that anyone claiming insight was “distant from the President” and “have no idea what they are talking about.”