Britain has been paying a high price for Uncle Sam’s craziness. It’s time to turn to Europe | Simon Tisdall | Simon Tisdall

In his final column, the Observer's foreign affairs commentator says America under Trump is not the first time it has caused trouble for allies

America spells trouble for Britain. That's undoubtedly true in the age of Trump - but maybe it's always been so. The White House's undisguised contempt for loyal allies in the UK and Europe necessitates a robust reciprocal rethink. How healthy - and desirable - is this partnership? Has it caused more problems than it's worth?

Those, myself included, who throughout their professional lives have taken close transatlantic ties for granted, face some awkward questions. Is the US-UK special relationship" an embarrassment, even a strategic liability? Today's America is evidently not a trustworthy, disinterested friend. Was it ever?