This is why America first doesn’t have to mean Europe last.

Europeans have had plenty to mope about since Donald Trump entered the White House not quite three months ago. The US president has said that the EU was created to “screw the United States” and slapped punitive tariffs on European goods. He has cast doubt on the US commitment to defend Nato allies. He has cosied up to Vladimir Putin, insulted Volodymyr Zelenskyy and tried to settle Russia’s war in Ukraine on terms that would undermine European security. His vice-president has denigrated European democratic values, and his national security team has spewed venom in a Signal chat at “pathetic” Europe.

Yet the dark Trumpian clouds have a silver lining if we Europeans play our cards right. The advent of an illiberal, authoritarian nationalist regime in our closest ally may yet be a blessing in disguise if it helps European leaders tear down longstanding self-imposed obstacles to integration. Just think of the multiple opportunities to make Europe great again:

Finally complete the European capital markets union and banking union to unleash the cross-border investment power of some €3tn in European savings

Strike trade deals with countries and regions around the world, seeking a reliable partner........

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