“We Would’ve Taken Over Western Europe”: Trump Makes Bold Claims in Fox News Interview Without Follow-Up

In a surprising statement Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump claimed that if he had won reelection in 2020, the United States “would’ve taken over western Europe.” The bold remark, made during Trump’s final campaign interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, went unchecked by the interviewer, leading many to question the implications of such an assertion.

This interview aired shortly after Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her campaign’s closing argument in Washington, D.C. The comment emerged during a discussion on energy independence, a topic Trump has repeatedly underscored in his campaign. Hannity initiated the exchange by asking Trump if he would boost the production of natural gas, oil, and coal to meet the energy needs of Western Europe and potentially sever Vladimir Putin’s economic ties to the region.

“When you say energy dominate, would you be able to ratchet up production – natural gas, oil, coal – where we could provide all the energy needs to say, Western Europe…and that means Vladimir Putin would be cut off?” Hannity asked. Trump responded with an assertion that surprised many. “We would’ve taken over Western Europe, oil prices would go down, and Vladimir Putin wouldn’t be able to prosecute the war,” he said.

Trump further argued that the Biden administration’s energy policies had disrupted his previous initiatives, leading to rising energy prices and what he described as missed opportunities for global influence. “Look, when they came in, they screwed up my energy program, and the prices went through the roof and Putin went in,” he added.

Beyond Western Europe, Trump contended that inflation and soaring oil prices would not have occurred if he were in office, a recurring theme in his critiques of the current administration. “Oil wouldn’t have gone up like it did,” he claimed, blaming current leadership for economic issues he says would have been avoided under his policies.

While Hannity did not question Trump’s assertion about taking control over Western Europe, he did push back on another statement Trump made regarding consumer choices in the automobile market. Trump claimed that his administration would protect Americans’ right to choose between gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

“You’re going to be able to get a gas-powered car, you’re going to be able to get a hybrid, you’re going to be able to get an electric car,” Trump assured. In response, Hannity interjected, seeking clarification on the freedom of choice Trump described. “They have the freedom, the choice to?” he asked, perhaps alluding to policy pressures around transitioning to electric vehicles.

Trump’s remarks, especially about “taking over Western Europe,” quickly caught the attention of social media, where many expressed concerns over the implications of such a statement. Critics noted the lack of follow-up on this point, with some questioning whether Hannity avoided challenging Trump’s more controversial assertions.

Supporters, however, echoed Trump’s belief that his administration’s energy policies would have strengthened the United States’ influence abroad and curbed Russia’s power. As the election approaches, Trump’s comments underscore his ongoing narrative that a return to his policies would reverse perceived losses in global influence and address economic challenges. However, with little direct challenge to his statements, questions remain about the feasibility and impact of the bold claims he continues to make on the campaign trail.