Now, with Trump pulling slightly ahead of President Joe Biden in some national polls, U.S. allies are preparing for the possibility of his return to power with a mix of apprehension and practicality.
While world leaders typically avoid commenting on U.S. election campaigns, some allies are privately bracing for a second Trump term that could be detrimental to European interests, potentially leading to a rejection of NATO and increased chaos in international relations. There are concerns about Trump's unpredictable nature and his tendency to prioritize transactional diplomacy.
Trump's presidency was marked by his withdrawal from various international agreements, his use of inflammatory language, and his praise for authoritarian leaders while criticizing traditional allies. He faced criticism for his handling of Russia's cyberattacks, the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and his approach to North Korea's Kim Jong Un.
Critics worry that a second Trump term could further damage U.S. relations with its allies and disrupt the global order. In contrast, Biden has sought to rebuild relationships and reengage with international agreements since taking office.
However, concerns about Biden's age and occasional verbal gaffes have led to uncertainty among some allies. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that the U.S.'s priorities may shift away from Europe in the long term.
Despite these concerns, some U.S. allies, including Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have expressed support for Trump's presidency, highlighting a divergence in opinion among global leaders.
While Trump's rhetoric may cause concern, some officials believe that institutionalized relationships and checks on presidential power will limit any drastic changes in U.S. foreign policy. Nonetheless, there is unease among allies about the potential implications of another Trump presidency.