This dispute between the US and Europe is not the first time the allies have been at odds. Spats have flared up occasionally since World War II.
Here is a look at some of the the most notable disagreements.
Suez Canal crisis
France, the United Kingdom and Israel invaded Egypt in 1956 in an attempt to topple Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and regain control of the Suez Canal. The US employed heavy diplomatic and economic pressure to stop it which strained Washington’s relations with key Cold War allies London and Paris.
Vietnam War
European countries, except France, provided diplomatic backing to the US, but refused to provide troops. Protests in Europe against the war was politically costly for governments across the continent. Europe had to juggle their support for the US with an erosion of their domestic popularity.
Euromissile crisis
Russia deployed its new SS-20 missiles that could quickly hit targets in Western Europe. This compelled NATO to install US Pershing nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in Europe to maintain the balance of the nuclear arms threat. This sparked an uproar in Europe, where worries of a new arms race deepened. Anti-nuclear peace demonstrations took place in European capitals in the 1980s, with focus often aimed at Washington.
Iraq invasion
The US invaded Iraq in 2003, which sparked a major crisis in relations with Europe. Strained relations were seen especially with France and Germany after they refused to support the attack on President Saddam Hussein’s government. Washington officials rebuked Paris and Berlin.
Extraordinary rendition
As part of its “war on terror,” the US captured and at times kidnapped suspects. Suspects were transferred to locations where they were interrogated and often tortured outside the reach of US law. Public outcry forced political leaders in Europe to denounce the practice, however, some European governments were complicit in the program.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
Trump’s return to office in January 2025 changed three years of US policy toward Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump was warmer to Russian President Vladimir Putin, colder toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reduced US military aid for Kyiv. This worried European leaders who see their own security at stake in Ukraine. European leaders have pressed Trump to side with Ukraine.
National security stance
The Trump administration last December portrayed European allies as weak in a new national security strategy. Washington criticized Europe’s immigration and free speech policies and cast doubt on their long-term reliability as US partners.
Tarrif war
Trump threatened Europe last July with heavy trade tariffs amid deteriorating relations to the once solid partnership. This was perceived as a deeply hostile move. The US president initially announced tariffs of 30% on the European Union, the biggest trading partner of the US. Both sides later agreed to a trade framework, with a 15% tariff set on most goods.
