The article discusses how the United States, under the Trump administration, is forming alliances with populist and Euro-skeptic parties across Europe, aiming to destabilize the European Union from within. Marco Rubio's recent visit to Hungary, where he expressed support for the nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the April elections, illustrates this strategy of backing reactionary forces in European politics. The Trump administration perceives these populist leaders as "patriots" whose success aligns with American interests.

By supporting figures like Orbán, who has criticized EU policies and advocated for national sovereignty, the US is attempting to reshape European politics to further its agenda. This move comes as a part of a broader strategy to reinforce anti-EU sentiments among member states, potentially leading to significant challenges for the European project. The article raises concerns about the implications of such alliances for the future of the EU and its member states, questioning whether the populist surge can be curtailed or managed.

Overall, this situation highlights a shift in international strategies, where traditional alliances are questioned, and populism is seemingly endorsed by external powers. This approach could embolden similar movements within Europe, complicating the already challenging dynamics of EU governance and integration.