Essentially, Trump remains steadfast in several beliefs: opposition to multilateralism, skepticism towards NATO and the EU, and a tendency towards protectionist and authoritarian policies.
“You tell me absolutely nothing, you failed and exhausted lawyer.” That was how Pam Bondi, Attorney General, addressed Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland and one of the leading figures on the House Judiciary Committee, in a grave and angry tone.
In the same hearing, she had exploded at Dan Goldman: "Today you are as capable as a lawyer as you were when you tried to initiate proceedings to impeach the President."
He had not spared Republican Thomas Massie, whom he had called a "failed politician" with "anti-Trump syndrome."
The statements were made on February 12, during Pam Bond's testimony before the Judiciary Committee on documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. It was one of her last public appearances as Attorney General, before she was fired by Donald Trump.
The dismissal came via a post on the social network Truth, with laudatory tones typical of Trump's style, "great patriot" and "loyal friend", accompanied by the phrase "we love Pam". A way to mask a departure that, according to the logic of the MAGA movement, is never accepted as a failure.
The fall of a faithful
There had long been talk that Bond's position was in jeopardy, particularly over her handling of the Epstein files and the criticism it had sparked within Trump's own base. The February 12 hearing, where she appeared aggressive and even avoided eye contact with the victims present, proved decisive.
On the one hand, Democratic Rep. Summer Lee initiated impeachment proceedings against her, accusing her of abuse of power. On the other hand, Trump began to consider her removal.
However, Bondi had been one of the most loyal figures in the Trump camp, willing to use the Justice Department as a political tool. Under her leadership, action was taken against figures such as James Comey and Letitia James, as well as former national security adviser John Bolton. There was even an attempt to impeach several members of Congress.
However, the results were limited and the pace of action was considered slow by Trump himself, who had publicly expressed dissatisfaction.
With the departure of Bondi and Kristi Noem, the circle of women loyal to Trump, which also includes Tulsi Gabbard and Caroline Leavitt, is narrowing significantly. A pattern that repeats itself: unconditional loyalty until the moment you become replaceable.
Threats to NATO: between rhetoric and reality
At the same time, Donald Trump's statements on NATO continue to create uncertainty. He has described the alliance as a "paper tiger" and suggested that the US could withdraw from it, an idea also supported by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
On the one hand, these statements seem hollow: Trump has used similar rhetoric throughout his first term. Moreover, a law passed in late 2023 makes it impossible for the president to unilaterally withdraw from NATO without congressional approval.
On the other hand, the signals are real and worrying. American support for Ukraine has weakened significantly, while Trump's positions often approach those of Russia. Also, the idea of annexing Greenland and tensions with European allies indicate a new strategic trend.
Europe facing a new reality
The message that is being consolidated is clear: Europe can no longer rely as it once did on the security guarantee from the US. While NATO has been a relationship of mutual benefit, not only protection for Europe but also strategic advantages for Washington, the balance is changing.
Today, more and more European countries are distancing themselves from American policies in the Middle East. Figures like Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez are representing a more critical approach, while others are also following the same direction, albeit more quietly.
An alliance under pressure
In essence, Trump remains steadfast in a few beliefs: opposition to multilateralism, skepticism about NATO and the EU, and a tendency toward protectionist and authoritarian policies. This puts Europe in a difficult position, as it represents the very values he opposes.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte seems to continue to maintain an optimism that many consider excessive. In a strong metaphor, he risks remaining “the last violinist on the sinking Titanic.”
A repeating pattern
Pam Bondi's story is just one example of a broader pattern: loyal figures are put on a pedestal and then abandoned. And according to the latest rumors, Tulsi Gabbard could be the next name.
The post is probably ready: "We love Tulsi". But the end result could be the same, another departure disguised as praise. /La Stampa
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