Former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding NATO created a typical Trumpian firestorm. No wonder.
NATO presents itself as an effective collective security organization. Would that it was. Instead, it is and has for many years been a club of posturing, preening dependents on the American security umbrella. Trump spoke for many Americans who’ve had enough of this nonsense.
Trump recounted a conversation with an unnamed foreign leader. “If we don’t pay, and we’re attacked by Russia – will you protect us?” Trump was asked. (RELATED: MORGAN MURPHY: Trump Or Biden — Who ‘War’ It Better?)
“I said: ‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?…No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them [Russia] to do whatever they hell they want.” Trump’s remarks have the establishments on both continents puffed up with equal parts outrage and trepidation.
To review the bidding, NATO’s members agreed to a paltry 2% of GDP on national defense. Trump should demand at least 3%.
The first part of Trump’s remarks simply said if a country won’t pay for its own defense, won’t pay its........