Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed serious concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump’s psychological state following a private meeting at Mar-a-Lago, POLITICO reported, citing five European diplomats briefed on confidential discussions between EU leaders.
The Slovak leader, known as one of Trump’s few supporters within the European Union, reportedly described the U.S. president as “dangerous” and appeared visibly shaken after their January 17 encounter at Trump’s Florida estate, according to the report.
Fico characterized Trump as being “out of his mind” during informal conversations with fellow European leaders, using language that suggested he was “traumatized” by the experience, POLITICO reported, citing diplomatic sources.
Behind closed doors in Brussels
These revelations emerged during an emergency EU summit held in Brussels on January 22, convened to address transatlantic relations amid Trump’s threats to seize Greenland. The Slovak prime minister shared his concerns during a private gathering with select leaders and senior EU officials, separate from the formal discussions.
Five diplomats from four different EU governments and one senior EU official confirmed the account to POLITICO under condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of confidential leadership exchanges. None possessed direct knowledge of what Trump specifically said during the Mar-a-Lago meeting that prompted Fico’s alarmed reaction, according to the report.
The reported private concerns stand in sharp contrast to Fico’s public portrayal of the meeting. In a Facebook video posted after his Florida visit, the Slovak leader praised the invitation as evidence of “high respect and trust” from Trump, describing their discussions as “informal and open talks” covering Ukraine and their shared assessment that the EU faces a “deep crisis.”
Denials, defenses
Fico took to the social media platform X on Wednesday to forcefully reject the POLITICO report, calling it “lies” and insisting he “did not speak at the informal summit in Brussels.” He acknowledged disagreeing with some of Trump’s strategies while supporting others, adding that he expected his recent statement on Venezuela might have jeopardized the U.S. visit.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed the report as “absolutely total fake news from anonymous European diplomats who are trying to be relevant,” characterizing the Mar-a-Lago meeting as “positive and productive.” A senior administration official present at the encounter told POLITICO the meeting was pleasant and normal, including lighthearted moments captured by White House photographers.
Growing European anxiety
The incident reflects broader European unease about Trump’s approach to transatlantic relations since returning to office. Leaders across the continent have been struggling to navigate their positions on Ukraine, support for far-right politicians, trade barriers, and questions surrounding the US’ defense commitment to Europe.
Earlier this month, Trump threatened tariffs against eight European nations, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of obstructing his efforts to acquire Greenland. He initially refused to rule out military force before later stating during a Davos speech that while the U.S. would be “frankly unstoppable” using “excessive strength and force,” he wouldn’t pursue that path.
Following the Davos address, Trump claimed to have reached a framework agreement with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte regarding Greenland, though no details have been publicly released. At the Brussels summit, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned colleagues that Europe must reduce its security dependence on Washington.
Significance of the source
Fico’s reported alarm carries particular weight given his pro-Trump positioning. A year ago, he addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference, praising Trump for doing “Europe a great service.” His apparent private misgivings, if accurate, suggest concerns extending beyond Trump’s typical critics.
European officials indicated that anxiety about the U.S. president’s “unpredictability” has become an increasingly common topic of discussion at all levels of EU diplomacy. Trump, 79, has repeatedly denied suffering from any cognitive impairment, telling New York Magazine this week he does not have Alzheimer’s disease.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested after the Brussels gathering that leaders concluded a “firm” but “non-escalatory” approach to Trump represented the most effective strategy moving forward.