As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election draws closer, a dramatic shift in polling numbers has brought significant attention to the race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Political analysts are grappling with the reasons behind Trump’s sudden loss of momentum and Harris’s surge in popularity. While internal factors such as Trump’s divisive policies and recent controversies play a critical role, external influences—particularly from European media—cannot be overlooked.
European news outlets have been increasingly vocal about the U.S. election, with a noticeable lean against Trump. This raises an important question: is the European media actively influencing American elections, and if so, how does this impact the race?
What Happened Suddenly:
The turning point in this election cycle can be traced back to late July 2024, when President Joe Biden unexpectedly withdrew from the race. Biden’s decision came after weeks of declining health and a poor debate performance, sparking intense pressure from both the Democratic base and political opponents. By endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor, Biden dramatically altered the dynamics of the election.
Initially, many expected Trump’s campaign to benefit from Biden’s withdrawal, as Harris had struggled with poll numbers earlier in the race. However, the opposite occurred. Kamala Harris began to quickly gain ground in the polls, particularly after key endorsements from influential Democratic figures and her appeal to moderate voters. This surge in support for Harris has been marked by her consistent messaging on issues that resonate with younger voters, women, and progressives, including healthcare, climate change, and racial justice.
In contrast, Trump’s campaign has been mired in controversy. The July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump was initially expected to bolster his candidacy, evoking sympathy and rallying his base. However, the polls reflected no significant long-term boost from this event. The harsh criticism of Trump’s affiliations with far-right movements, such as Project 2025, further alienated moderate voters. Project 2025, a political initiative championed by some of Trump’s far-right supporters, was perceived by many as a threat to democratic governance, adding fuel to the already polarized electorate.
Moreover, Trump’s rhetoric and positions on issues like immigration, abortion, and his attacks on U.S. institutions have continued to polarize the electorate. The presence of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initially threatened to siphon votes from both Trump and Harris, but his decision to drop out and endorse Trump did little to move the needle for the former president. Instead, Kamala Harris has continued to benefit from a coalition of voters energized by her campaign’s message of unity and progress, positioning her as a viable alternative to the divisive politics of the Trump era.
Is Euronews Bent on Defeating Trump?
While domestic factors play a critical role in shaping the 2024 election, the influence of foreign media—especially from Europe—on U.S. elections has grown in importance. European news outlets like Euronews have frequently featured coverage of the American political landscape, often focusing on Trump’s controversial policies and leadership style. There is a noticeable pattern in how these media platforms frame the election, which raises the question: Is Euronews, and European media at large, attempting to influence the outcome of the U.S. election?
One need only look at Euronews’ coverage to see how the framing works. Euronews has consistently highlighted Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, his association with far-right figures, and his disdain for international institutions such as NATO and the European Union. These outlets have painted a picture of Trump as a destabilizing figure, whose policies have undermined the post-World War II order, which relies on transatlantic cooperation and multilateralism.
European dissatisfaction with Trump began during his presidency when he initiated policies that antagonized key European allies. His decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord was seen as a direct affront to European leaders, who have prioritized climate change as an existential issue. Trump’s imposition of tariffs on European products and his frequent disparagement of NATO were further seen as threats to the long-standing alliance between the U.S. and Europe.
By contrast, Kamala Harris is portrayed as a stabilizing force in the eyes of European media. Harris’s platform emphasizes global cooperation, climate action, and rebuilding alliances that have suffered under Trump’s “America First” policies. Euronews, for example, has consistently reported on Harris’s commitment to rejoining the Paris Agreement, her support for multilateral diplomacy, and her proposals to strengthen NATO. This favorable coverage has helped build an image of Harris as the candidate more aligned with European interests, even though she still faces challenges in the U.S. electorate.
Latest Euronews Report:
Euronews has not just covered the U.S. election in editorial pieces; it has also conducted its own polls, which have tracked the shifting dynamics of the race. According to the latest Euronews poll, Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead over Donald Trump. The survey shows Harris with a slight edge, but the race remains within the margin of error, indicating that both candidates are still in contention.
However, it’s important to note how these surveys are presented. While they are based on quantitative data, the way they are framed often contains implicit bias. For instance, Euronews has emphasized concerns over Trump’s handling of international relations and his ties to far-right movements like Project 2025. These issues resonate strongly with European audiences, who are more attuned to the value of multilateralism and cooperation in global governance.
On the other hand, Harris is frequently depicted in a positive light, with a focus on her ability to rebuild U.S.-European relations and promote global stability. This framing serves to create a narrative that favors Harris while casting doubt on Trump’s ability to lead effectively on the international stage. This is not an isolated phenomenon. Multiple European news outlets have similarly portrayed Trump as a danger to global democratic norms, while Harris is seen as the candidate who can restore order and cooperation.
Propaganda and Framing:
The use of propaganda and framing techniques in media is not a new phenomenon, but its influence on elections can be profound. The Euronews survey, for instance, does not simply report numbers; it contextualizes them in a narrative that paints a particular picture of the two candidates. By highlighting Trump’s connections to far-right groups and his contentious policies, Euronews subtly influences how voters, both in the U.S. and abroad, perceive the candidates.
Propaganda often works by selectively presenting information to create a desired outcome. In this case, by repeatedly associating Trump with negative descriptors—authoritarian, divisive, far-right—while presenting Harris as progressive, cooperative, and stable, European media outlets like Euronews shape public opinion in ways that extend beyond mere reporting. The framing of surveys and poll results also plays a role, as emphasizing specific poll findings while downplaying others can alter the perceived momentum of a campaign.
European Media :
Much of the European media’s frustration with Trump stems from his policies that directly challenge European interests. During his presidency, Trump pursued a policy of economic nationalism, imposing tariffs on European goods, which angered leaders across the continent. His frequent criticism of NATO, an institution that has been crucial to European security since the Cold War, further distanced him from European allies.
One of the most significant points of contention was Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Europe has led the charge in global climate action, and Trump’s decision to leave the accord was seen as a betrayal of the international community’s efforts to combat climate change. This move was widely criticized in European newspapers, which framed Trump as a leader who was unwilling to take responsibility for global environmental challenges.
In contrast, Kamala Harris’s environmental policies have been praised in European media. Her commitment to re-entering the Paris Agreement and strengthening U.S.-European cooperation on climate issues aligns with Europe’s priorities. Harris’s broader platform, which includes strengthening international institutions and engaging in multilateral diplomacy, has been met with approval from European leaders and media outlets alike.
What Are Trump’s and Harris’s Policies on Europe?
Trump’s policies toward Europe have been defined by confrontation and unilateralism. His administration has focused on reducing U.S. involvement in international agreements and institutions, particularly NATO, and has prioritized economic protectionism. His tariffs on European goods, especially steel and aluminum, were a major point of contention, as they sparked a trade dispute between the U.S. and the European Union.
In contrast, Kamala Harris’s policies focus on re-engaging with Europe through diplomacy and cooperation. Harris supports rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and strengthening NATO. She also advocates for deeper collaboration on cybersecurity, trade, and global health, all of which align with Europe’s priorities.
Harris’s approach to foreign policy is rooted in multilateralism, a sharp departure from Trump’s “America First” stance. European media has highlighted this distinction, presenting Harris as a candidate who can restore U.S. leadership on the global stage and repair relations with Europe.
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2024 U.S. Presidential Election
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election is not only a contest between Trump and Harris but also a reflection of broader global dynamics. Trump’s decline in the polls can be attributed to both his controversial domestic policies and the way he is portrayed in international media, particularly in Europe. European media outlets like Euronews have played a significant role in shaping public perception by framing Trump as a divisive figure while presenting Kamala Harris as a more favorable candidate for global cooperation.
The influence of European media in the U.S. election raises important questions about the intersection of media, politics, and international relations. As we approach Election Day, it is clear that the narrative surrounding Trump’s candidacy extends far beyond the U.S., with significant implications for how American voters—and the world—view the future of U.S. leadership.
References
- Euronews Poll Data on U.S. Election – [Euronews.com]
- “Paris Agreement: Impact of Trump’s Withdrawal” – [UN Climate Secretariat]
- NATO and Trump’s Foreign Policy – [NATO.int]
- Project 2025 and Far-Right Movements – [The Atlantic]
- U.S.-European Trade Disputes Under Trump – [BBC News]
- Climate Action and Harris’s Environmental Policies – [Reuters Climate Coverage]
