President Trump is redefining U.S. alliances in the AI era, prioritizing how partners can aid in the AI race over traditional shared values and security interests. Frontier AI models, chips, and infrastructure are becoming new tools for American influence. The administration is restricting allies' access to powerful AI models, criticizing Europe for its less developed AI industry. While export controls on certain models have been lifted for specific initiatives like Project Glasswing, the U.S. Commerce Department retains the ability to revoke access. Trump believes the U.S. leads significantly in AI, urging Europe to avoid entrepreneurial decline. This transactional approach to alliances is evident in the administration's AI restrictions. Vice President JD Vance's past remarks at the Paris AI Summit foreshadowed a confrontational stance with the EU over its safety-focused AI regulations. Despite domestic regulatory uncertainty from staggered rollouts of advanced AI models, discussions with the EU regarding tech dialogue are ongoing. The EU seeks access to powerful AI models through initiatives like Project Glasswing, while asserting its sovereign legislation is not negotiable. Other nations, like the UAE, emphasize the importance of inclusion and synchronized standards for trusted partners. The U.S. is simultaneously securing supply chains through efforts like Pax Silica while restricting AI model access, presenting Europe as a restraint, partner, and competitor. Ultimately, allies must adapt to being considered trusted U.S. partners selectively, building their own capabilities where access is restricted.