Back at the White House, Donald Trump has exacerbated tensions with US allies, particularly with the European Union, which is accused of "ripping off" Uncle Sam, with a trade war as a result. The US president's security policy also poses serious problems for visitors from the old continent.
The transatlantic alliance at its lowest point
One case made headlines Recently: after a random check at an American airport, a CNRS researcher was rejected from the country following a search of his smartphone and computer. His fault? Messages expressing a negative "personal opinion" on American policy towards the research sector, which has been hit hard by budget cuts. Donald Trump claims total freedom of expression... but not against him, obviously.
To avoid this kind of problem upon arrival in the United States, the European Commission has instructed several senior officials and commissioners attending summit meetings in Washington to travel only with rudimentary computer equipment. No more personal or professional devices; Brussels recommends disposable phones and basic laptops.
According to Financial Times sources, officials should avoid bringing their usual equipment to limit the risk of electronic surveillance. The recommendation also includes turning off phones at the border and placing them in anti-spy pouches if they must be left unattended. This is already a protocol set up for travel to China or Ukraine (where communications could fall into the hands of Russia).
An official from the European executive confides: "They fear that the United States will penetrate the Commission's systems", which reflects the level of mistrust between the two sides of the Atlantic. Atmosphere... in Brussels, they simply confirm that the security instructions have been updated without revealing the details. "The transatlantic alliance is over," adds another European official.
Source: FT
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