The U.S. National Security Strategy has been criticized by European politicians, who suspect an attempt to divide the European Union, especially by supporting euro-skeptic parties.

The publication of the National Security Strategy of the Trump administration on December 4 was perceived as an affront by European politicians, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling certain passages "unacceptable." An unpublished draft reportedly detailed the U.S. plans to collaborate with countries such as Italy, Austria, Poland, and Hungary to pull them away from the European Union. The White House denied the existence of this document. Some experts suggest that the U.S. is not seeking the exit of these countries from the EU, but rather a gradual disintegration of European integration. Signs of division are already visible, with Hungary refusing to comply with EU decisions regarding Russian energy. Prime Minister Orban has obtained exemptions from American sanctions, and the U.S. seems to support euro-skeptic parties in Europe. Although Hungary is an obvious case, Italy, led by Giorgia Meloni, could benefit from U.S. support, even though Meloni does not have an obstructionist stance towards the EU. Poland and Austria, although not led by right-wing populist governments, have influential parties that could collaborate with the U.S. The absence of the Czech Republic and Slovakia from the list of countries of interest suggests an ideological approach by the U.S., which prefers right-wing populist parties. The strategy warns of a "civilizational erasure" in Europe due to migration and proposes supporting sovereignist parties. Trump has criticized European leaders for their weakness in the face of current challenges. There is also discussion about creating a power entity called "Core 5," which would include the U.S., China, Russia, India, and Japan. The White House has dismissed reports of an expanded version of the strategy, calling them "fake news."