London - As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to stoke controversy with bold territorial claims and trade threats, a growing chorus in Britain and across Europe is questioning the longstanding "special relationship" with Washington. Recent opinion polls reveal mounting unease over U.S. military presence in the UK, particularly in light of Trump's repeated assertions that Canada should become America's 51st state and his aggressive pursuit of Greenland, including threats of tariffs against European nations that resist. With King Charles III serving as head of state for both the UK and Canada, Trump's rhetoric has been seen as a direct affront, fuelling debates about sovereignty and alliance dynamics.
Trump's comments on Canada have intensified since his re-election in 2024. In interviews and social media posts throughout 2025 and into 2026, he has floated the idea of annexing Canada, labelling it a "freebie" recipient of U.S. protection and even sharing altered maps incorporating Canada and Greenland into U.S. territory. Tensions peaked in early 2026 when Trump withdrew an invitation for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join a proposed "Board of Peace," citing Carney's warnings against U.S. economic coercion. Critics, including Canadian officials, have described Trump's language as threatening, especially given the shared monarchy under King Charles, who symbolizes the deep historical ties between the UK and Canada.
The Greenland saga has further inflamed transatlantic relations. Trump revived his 2019 interest in acquiring the Danish territory in late 2025, escalating to threats of 10-25% tariffs on eight European countries—including Denmark, France, and Germany—if they blocked a U.S. "framework" deal. By mid-January 2026, Trump backed away from immediate tariffs after reaching a preliminary agreement allowing expanded U.S. military basing on the island, but he initially refused to rule out force, calling Greenland vital for U.S. national security. This prompted emergency EU meetings and unified European resistance, with leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating they "will not yield."
In Britain, where the U.S. maintains 13 military bases hosting around 11,000 personnel— including nuclear-capable sites like RAF Lakenheath—these provocations have hit close to home. A YouGov poll conducted on January 20, 2026, found that 55% of nearly 5,000 British adults support expelling all U.S. forces from UK soil if America seizes Greenland by military force, with 35% strongly in favor. This sentiment echoes a video report by Declassified UK, which visited RAF Lakenheath amid heightened activity and highlighted public concerns over U.S. operations potentially dragging Britain into conflicts, including hypothetical strikes on Greenland or Iran. The report noted unusual F-35 and F-15 jet movements and questioned UK oversight of these "RAF" bases, which are effectively under U.S. control.
Broader European polls paint a similarly grim picture of eroding trust. A November 2025 European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) survey of over 25,000 respondents across 21 countries, including 13 EU states, showed only 16% of EU citizens viewing the U.S. as an ally—down sharply from previous years—with 20% seeing it as a rival or enemy. In Germany, favorable views of U.S.-German relations plummeted to 27% in 2025, per Pew Research, while Gallup reported U.S. leadership approval in the EU at just 20%. A Dutch poll found 77% viewing the U.S. as a source of insecurity, with 81% believing Europe can no longer count on unconditional U.S. military support.
On social media platform X, British users have amplified these concerns. Posts from influencers like @kennardmatt and @schneiderhome decry the UK's "vassal" status, while semantic searches reveal widespread calls to remove U.S. bases and reduce reliance on American security. European discussions emphasize pragmatic decoupling, with users like @vtchakarova advocating for increased defense spending and autonomy.
Looking ahead, the future of U.S.-Europe relations appears fraught but potentially transformative. Analysts predict accelerated European efforts toward strategic autonomy, including a unified army, diversified trade (possibly deeper ties with China), and reduced U.S. dependency in tech and energy. Trump's actions, including his Venezuela intervention and "Donroe Doctrine," have prompted warnings that Europe must "shape its own destiny" or face further erosion of influence. While some, like UK Defence Secretary John Healey, insist U.S. bases won't be used aggressively, the polls suggest public patience is waning, potentially forcing a reevaluation of NATO and transatlantic bonds.
As one ECFR respondent noted, "Trump is making China—not America—great again," highlighting a perceived shift in global perceptions. With midterm elections looming in the U.S. and European unity tested, the coming months could redefine alliances forged in the post-World War II era.
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