It was bound to happen, and like other papers, the Dutch daily de Volkskrant led with it on 13 April. The latest target of Donald Trump’s tirades is the pope.
It makes sense. Trump is looking for some quick success, and regime change in the Vatican should be a piece of cake. No war over oil this time, but hey, there’s gold in them thar hills. St. Peter’s could certainly use a makeover, out with the old junk, in with some tasteful decor à la Mar-a-Lago, demolition works to turn the Sistine Chapel into the perfect ballroom should be limited, and Castel Gandolfo seems ripe for a real estate project.
Is there any country left in the world with which the American president isn’t picking a fight? Palau, Bhutan, Nauru—they’ve all found themselves in the crosshairs of the White House. Is there life on Pluto?
“Those who dance together don’t quarrel,” says 100-year-old Annemarie Ehrlich a bit further on in that same Volkskrant. Eurythmy is her thing; according to her, this form of dance fosters trust, helps people work together, and keeps the mind healthy. Something for The Donald, perhaps?
© Rick van der Kwast, April 2026