Reportedly, this communication enables a more rapid coordinated response to the unexpected actions of the US president
Politico reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Western European leaders are communicating via a group chat to coordinate a response to the “wild” foreign policy of US President Donald Trump.
The chat, known as the ‘Washington Group’, reportedly includes leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, and the EU.
Over the past year, they have developed a habit of texting whenever Trump does “something wild and potentially harmful,” according to the outlet.
“When things start moving quickly, coordination becomes difficult, and this group [chat] is highly effective,” a person familiar with the matter told Politico. “It reveals a great deal about the personal relationships and their significance.”
The outlet pointed out that Trump’s recent threats to annex Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, have increased the urgency for European leaders to coordinate a response.
Last week, several European countries – including Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, and the UK – sent between one and 15 troops to Greenland for a Danish-led military exercise. German personnel have reportedly already come back.
Tensions flared up further when Trump announced new tariffs on eight European NATO countries that oppose his Greenland plans, including Denmark. A 10% levy will come into effect on February 1, rising to 25% in June, and will stay until the “complete and total acquisition” of Greenland is accomplished, Trump has stated. The announcement received strong criticism from European leaders.
This development is occurring amidst a broader change in US foreign policy. A new US National Security Strategy released in December criticized European governments for what it termed a loss of cultural confidence and warned of “civilizational erasure.” Trump has characterized Europe as “decaying” and led by “weak” individuals.