The administration of Donald Trump intensified its criticism of Europe on Wednesday after unveiling a new counter-terrorism strategy that described the continent as an “incubator” for terrorism driven by mass migration and open-border policies.

The document, led by White House counter-terrorism coordinator Sebastian Gorka, argued that growing immigration and multicultural policies in Europe were contributing to instability and security threats across the region.

“It is clear to all that well-organised hostile groups exploit open borders and related globalist ideals,” the strategy stated. “The more these alien cultures grow, and the longer current European policies persist, the more terrorism is guaranteed.”

The report also warned that Europe, which it called the “birthplace of Western culture and values,” must reverse its current course or face continued decline. The language is expected to deepen tensions between Washington and several European allies already concerned about the administration’s increasingly confrontational rhetoric.

The latest criticism follows earlier comments in the Trump administration’s national security strategy released this year, which claimed Europe faced “civilisational erasure” because of immigration policies.

The new counter-terrorism plan broadens its focus beyond Islamist extremism and places strong emphasis on domestic ideological threats inside the United States. It specifically targets what the administration described as “violent Left-Wing Extremists,” including anarchist and anti-fascist groups.

The strategy also references “radically pro-transgender” organizations, accusing some activist movements of promoting anti-American ideologies. Officials said counter-terrorism agencies would prioritize identifying and neutralizing violent political groups considered threats to national stability.

The report cited the alleged killing of conservative commentator and Trump ally Charlie Kirk, claiming the suspect held extremist transgender-related views. Authorities have not publicly confirmed broader links between the case and organized political movements.

Since returning to office last year, Trump has made cultural and identity issues central to his political agenda. His administration has introduced policies restricting transgender participation in women’s sports and issued executive orders recognizing only two genders under federal policy.

The strategy also places Latin American drug cartels at the center of US counter-terrorism operations, reflecting the administration’s growing focus on organized crime networks crossing the southern border.

European officials have yet to formally respond to the report, though the language is likely to draw criticism from governments already uneasy over Trump’s recent attacks on NATO allies and his accusations that European nations are failing to support US military efforts in the Middle East.

The document arrives at a sensitive moment for transatlantic relations as Western governments continue coordinating responses to conflicts in the Middle East and rising security concerns across Europe.

US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of undermining global security with remarks on war, immigration and diplomacy, in a dispute that risks straining relations between Washington and the Vatican.

In an interview with conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt, Trump claimed the pope’s statements were indirectly benefiting Iran and making the world “less safe.” He suggested that the pontiff’s emphasis on humane treatment of migrants and calls for restraint in conflict signaled indifference toward the threat of Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons.

“The pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that such a stance could endanger millions, including Catholic communities worldwide.

There is no record of Pope Leo XIV supporting nuclear proliferation. The Vatican has consistently opposed nuclear weapons and advocated for diplomatic solutions. Responding to the remarks, the pope rejected Trump’s claims, saying the Catholic Church has long spoken out against nuclear arms.

“There is no doubt about that,” he told reporters, reiterating that his calls for peace in the ongoing conflict involving Iran are rooted in longstanding church teachings. He added that his mission is to promote the Gospel and encourage dialogue, not to engage in political disputes.

The exchange comes ahead of a planned visit to the Vatican by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is expected to meet senior church officials in what had been seen as an effort to maintain stable relations. Rubio, a practicing Catholic, defended Trump’s position, arguing that concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions are legitimate and widely shared.

Tensions have also spilled into Italian politics. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, has expressed unease over the president’s remarks about the pope. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the comments as unhelpful and inappropriate, stressing support for the pope’s message of peace and dialogue.

“I reaffirm my support for every action and word of Pope Leo,” Tajani said, adding that Italy remains committed to diplomatic efforts aimed at stability in conflict zones.

Rubio is also expected to meet Meloni and Tajani during his visit, as broader discussions continue on security, diplomacy and cooperation between the United States and its European partners.

The dispute highlights growing friction between political and religious leaders over how to address rising global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, where the conflict involving Iran continues to shape international debate.