Ozetta
Dutch news, in your languageSaturday, 26 September 2026No. 18,248

General

We See Ourselves Reflected in Trump's America: 'What We Exported Is the Deviation'

AD26 September · 19:301 hour ago

Political scientist Peter van der Heiden argues that Dutch voters' criticism of Donald Trump often reflects a rejection of conservative elements rooted in Dutch history. In his book *Dutch Americans*, he highlights figures like Reverend Theodorus Frelinghuysen and Albertus van Raalte, whose strict Calvinism influenced American religious culture and political conservatism. Van der Heiden notes that communities such as Holland, Michigan, remain heavily conservative, exemplified by former ambassador Pete Hoekstra. He contrasts this with the Dutch view, stating that while Americans emphasize a personal bond with God, the Netherlands has largely moved away from such intense religious engagement.

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GeneralPolitics