Recently, the former U.S. Secretary of State Blinken directly criticized during an interview: Trump only respects those hardline leaders.

He said that in Trump's eyes, Europe looks weak and disunited, so it is hardly taken seriously. Blinken also sent a message to European leaders: if you want the White House to take you seriously, you need to show some toughness!

Blinken's original words were roughly:

"I think when Trump looks at the world, he mainly focuses on who is stronger and who is tougher. He appreciates countries or leaders who can 'make a strong impression.' To be honest, he sees Europe as weak, not united, and lacking in strength. So if Europe really wants to become important in Trump's eyes, it needs to be more united, have common goals, and be tougher. Only then is it possible to be taken seriously."

In summary: Trump's way is 'I listen to whoever is tough'; if Europe wants to catch his attention, it needs to build some muscle first.