Trump and America: A Cultural Perspective for Europeans
- Adam Raelson
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 21
When Europeans discuss U.S. American politics, especially in the context of Donald Trump, many of their perspectives are often shaped by differing cultural values and assumptions.
This is not a political article. But rather, we’d like to unpack some of the key cultural dimensions in U.S. society that make Trump appealing to many U.S. Americans, without advocating for or against any political agendas.
It’s important to note that Trump’s leadership style does not reflect the attitudes of all U.S. Americans. Rather, certain cultural dimensions of the United States have shaped both his approach and his appeal to many voters. This article explores these cultural factors to provide a broader understanding of the differences between U.S. American and European perspectives on leadership and influence.
1. Action-Oriented Influence vs. Principle-First Influence
In many European cultures, influence is often based on intellectual consistency, expertise, and a strong foundation of theoretical principles. A leader is expected to first establish credibility through thought-out policies and adherence to a certain pre-existing or tried philosophical frameworks. In contrast, American leadership, especially in business and politics, tends to be more action-driven. Influence is often built on decisiveness and the ability to get things moving fast. Trump’s appeal to many U.S. Americans lies in his “get things done” rhetoric rather than in a carefully articulated ideological foundation. Many Europeans, who are accustomed to deliberative, slower-paced, or consensus-driven decision-making, may find this approach impulsive or chaotic, while many U.S. Americans see this approach in the workplace or political scene as pragmatic.
2. Dealing with Unpredictability
U.S. Americans are generally more open to uncertainty than many European cultures, especially those from Central & Northern European societies that prioritize stability, adherence to given processes, and predictability. The United States is a young country and the American mindset often embraces a “we’ll cross that bridge when we get there” attitude. Trump’s unconventional, improvisational style (announcing bold ideas and “adjusting on the fly”) is not necessarily seen as reckless within a U.S. American cultural point-of-views, but rather a manifestation of one type of entrepreneurial problem-solving approach, which emphasizes flexibility and agility. Many Europeans, on the other hand, tend to prefer comprehensive plans before taking action, which is why Trump’s approach may again seem chaotic to them.
3. Emotional Expressiveness vs. Reserved Composure
While some European cultures (for example, the Dutch, Germans, or Scandinavians) are known for direct communication, they also tend to value emotional restraint in leadership or public positions. American cultures, by contrast, tend to be more comfortable with emotional expressiveness, whether in enthusiasm, frustration, or defiance. Trump’s unfiltered way of speaking, his use of strong emotions, and his willingness to engage in public confrontation resonate with many U.S. Americans who see this as authenticity rather than a lack of decorum. Many European cultures are used to leaders who maintain a composed, measured public persona, and therefore, can perceive this U.S. style of emotional display as unprofessional or erratic.
4. Power Distance: The “Savior” Aura
In many European countries, political leaders are often constrained by party structures and parliamentary coalitions. In the U.S., however, the president holds more power and, therefore, a more central, almost heroic role, expected to personally drive national change. Trump’s strong persona, while unsettling to many Europeans, aligns with an American tradition of viewing presidents as larger-than-life figures who challenge the establishment and will personally be responsible for bringing immediate change and results for the country.
5. Trust: Task-Based vs. Relationship-Based
Both U.S. Americans and Europeans value competence and results, however the way trust is built differs. While many northern and western European cultures also prioritize task-based trust, where credibility is earned through expertise and consistent performance, most European political systems often emphasize incremental political changes, long-standing party affiliations, and coalition-forming, where leaders must first prove themselves within an established framework. In contrast, the culture in the United States places a higher value on individual achievement and disruption. U.S. Americans tend to be more open to trusting leaders who promise bold action, even if they lack traditional political experience. Trump’s appeal to many voters wasn’t just about policies but also his outsider status and reputation for making deals and driving results. This contrasts with many Europeans' expectations that political leadership should be built on gradual progression and institutional continuity.
6. Patriotism and “America First”
National pride is a well-known defining aspect of identity in the United States. While European nations also have national pride, their histories with nationalism have made overt expressions of patriotism in many countries more restrained. Trump’s unapologetic “America First” stance resonates with many U.S. Americans who see patriotism, border integrity, and love-of-country as an indisputable value. To some Europeans, however, this rhetoric can feel exclusionary or overly aggressive.
Understanding the appeal of presidents in the United States requires looking beyond policies and political affiliations and examining the cultural dynamics at play, many of which contrast sharply with European cultural or political norms. In the context of Trump’s presidency, rather than brushing it off as an anomaly, many non-U.S. Americans (and U.S. Americans alike!) might gain deeper insight by reflecting on how leadership, project management, influence, and national identity are viewed across cultures.
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