The leak of a bombshell document on the Trump administration’s national security strategy has sparked outrage in Europe, claiming the US is aiming to encourage Austria, Hungary, Italy and Poland to leave the European Union. The so-called “Make Europe Great Again” (MEGA) plan targets countries seen as resistant to EU policies on migration and sovereignty, and could reshape transatlantic relations.
The leak was first reported on December 10 and was based on the previously published official NSS, which had already criticized Europe’s direction. As tensions rise, European leaders express outrage, while the White House flatly denies the existence of a replacement document.
Leaked document claims
According to an unpublished full-length version of the National Security Strategy reviewed by Defense One, a US defense media outlet, the Trump administration proposes active cooperation with four specific EU member states: Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland.
The document reportedly states that the United States should “work more closely with[these countries]with the goal of separating them from the[European Union].” The report emphasizes supporting “political parties, movements, and intellectuals and cultural figures who are pro-American but seek to preserve and restore sovereignty and the traditional European way of life.”
This is in line with official NSS criticism of EU policies leading to the “erasure of civilization” through mass immigration, censorship and the erosion of national identity. In the leaked version, the strategy is framed as helping Europe “correct its current trajectory” by fostering relationships with like-minded nationalist-leaning governments.
President Trump’s relationship with targeted countries
The four countries share a history of challenging Brussels on issues such as immigration and the rule of law.
President Trump has built a personal relationship with Orbán, welcoming him to the White House and praising Meloni. Analysts say these countries could form a pro-American bloc that resists mainstream EU integration.
White House denial and official position
The White House flatly denied the authenticity of the leak. “There is no alternative, private or classified version. President Trump signed a national security strategy that is transparent and clearly directs the U.S. government to implement established principles and priorities,” Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement. Officials dismissed the report as “fake news” and insisted that the 33-page NSS released was the only guiding document.
European reaction and influence
EU leaders were furious, seeing the plan as interference in sovereignty issues. Chair Ursula von der Leyen appealed for respect for European democracy, while other members warned of threats to unifying the bloc amid NATO discussions and Russian pressure. “When it comes to elections, it’s not us who decide who our country’s leaders are, it’s the people of this country…It’s voter sovereignty and that has to be protected,” she told Politico.
If this strategy is implemented, the EU could become economically and geopolitically divided, but experts doubt a coordinated exit due to differences in national interests (for example, Poland’s strong NATO ties and Hungary’s ties with Russia).
