Newshour President Trump lashes out at European allies
Dec 9, 2025
Fergus Walsh, the BBC medical editor, shares insights on a groundbreaking gene therapy successfully treating aggressive blood cancers, showing promising remission rates. The conversation also highlights significant criticisms from President Trump toward European allies as he labels them 'decaying' in their response to migration and the Ukraine war. Expect discussions on geopolitical tensions, Germany's security shifts, and a tribute to pioneering zoologist Iain Douglas-Hamilton, emphasizing diverse yet impactful topics in today's healthcare and global politics.
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US Rhetoric Signals Transatlantic Rift
- President Trump described European nations as "decaying" and criticised their leaders for failing to control migration and stop the Ukraine war.
- The interview signals a deeper rhetorical rift that could affect US-European relations beyond routine policy disagreements.
Germany Sees Need For Security Autonomy
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called parts of the US national security strategy "unacceptable" and denied need for US to 'save democracy' in Europe.
- Germany sees the rhetoric as confirmation it must become more security-independent from the US.
Germany Claims Strategic Preparedness
- Metin Hackverdi says Germany is "eyes wide open" and has amended its constitution and invested heavily in security since Russia's 2022 invasion.
- He frames increased German defence spending as deliberate preparation, not knee-jerk reaction to US comments.
