WildMics Special #243 – USA vs. EUROPA

·1 hr 30 min·5 clips

Dirk van den Boom describes Trump's second term as a complete unleashing, discarding allies and international law.

The episode, recorded on January 20, 2026, is a panel discussion focused on how Europe can or should respond to the United States under Donald Trump's second term. The hosts introduce political scientist Dirk van den Boom as the expert guest. The primary catalyst for discussion is Trump's expressed desire to annex Greenland. The analysis begins by framing Trump's second term as an exponential escalation from his first, characterized by a rejection of international law, allies, and diplomatic soft power in favor of a raw, self-interested hegemony. The panel discusses the perceived decline in Trump's cognitive abilities but emphasizes the calculated goals of the people around him. They contrast past US actions, which at least sought alliances and legal justifications, with the current unilateralism. A significant portion examines the political paralysis within the US, exploring why Congress and the opposition seem unable to act, citing fear, logistics of protest, and the threat of violence. The discussion then shifts to Europe's perspective, starting with Germany. They critique politician Jens Spahn for appearing to understand US strategic interests in Greenland and examine his potential political downfall. The hosts ask van den Boom to evaluate German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's handling of the situation, noting his efforts on Ukraine but the constraints of EU unanimity, blocked by pro-Trump/Putin governments like Hungary and Slovakia. The conversation explores strategies for dealing with Trump, concluding that flattery is counterproductive and that showing clear strength is necessary, though militarily Europe is powerless. They delve into specific countermeasures: the EU's new Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), dubbed the 'trade bazooka,' which could impose tariffs and financial sanctions. However, its activation requires unanimous EU approval. Another explored lever is the US debt held worldwide; selling US Treasury bonds could damage the US economy but would also trigger a global crisis, making it a mutual threat. The episode also touches on the potential reaction of the US military if ordered to attack NATO allies in Greenland, noting internal debate but no clear answer. Finally, they speculate on Trump's possible motives for wanting Greenland, such as freshwater, minerals, and locations for tech data centers, and briefly discuss the strategic value of US military bases in Europe.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Hoaxilla - Der skeptische Podcast