Besides President Trump’s unilateral destruction of the Iraqi military, he signaled to the world America’s military independence.
Which brings me to NATO.
During the campaign, Donald Trump criticized America’s partnership with NATO. He slammed NATO allies, particularly Germany for not meeting the 2% NATO defense spending target. Keep in mind that only eight of 29 members currently meet their obligation.
Post-election, Trump reiterated his stance with NATO. Again, Leftists complained at the notion. They declared Trump anti-partner. Still Trump pressed on. And now we get the results.
According to CNN,
The Trump administration has moved to substantially cut its contribution to NATO’s collective budget according to several US and NATO officials, a symbolic move that comes as many continue to question President Donald Trump‘s commitment to the transatlantic alliance as he prepares to attend a summit to mark its 70th anniversary in London next week.
Previously the US provided some 22% of NATO’s direct funding, which covers the cost of maintaining the NATO headquarters, joint security investments and some combined military operations.
It’s a largely symbolic move as NATO’s direct budget is relatively small, at about $2.5 billion, and is separate from national defense budgets that NATO recommends should stand at 2% of GDP.
US defense officials tell CNN that the Trump administration sought to reduce its contribution to about 16%, bringing it in line with Germany’s, which provides 14.8% despite the US having a larger economy.
US and NATO officials told CNN that the other NATO members are expected to make up the shortfall.
Symbolic? Perhaps.
But American wins with this symbolic gesture. But what about what else President Trump accomplished with NATO?
The article continues,
“All Allies have agreed a new cost sharing formula. Under the new formula, cost shares attributed to most European Allies and Canada will go up, while the US share will come down. This is an important demonstration of Allies’ commitment to the Alliance and to fairer burden-sharing,” a NATO official told CNN.
NATO has increased their spending by $100 billion since 2016, all attributed to President Trump’s bluster about delinquent payments.
Consider the timing of all of this.
President Trump decimated the Iranian economy, then killed their top general. President Trump dares Iran to enter into a war. Because that war will mostly be fought with America’s economy.
Phase I has begun with Trump backing out of the nuclear agreement. This sent Iran’s currency reeling.
Phase II occurred when Trump reinstated sanctions against Iran. Then he eventually toughening them. The world was put on notice that dealing with Iran comes with a serious consequence. And the world got the message.
Many companies pulled out of Iran. Countries who had been getting around the sanctions suddenly stopped, causing Iran’s economy to go into freefall.
Trump froze billions of Iranian assets, assets given to them by Obama.
With financial strategies in place, Trump rebuilt America’s military; thus the hit on Soleimani.
So Phase III is in place. Military action, if necessary. Keep in mind that when Iran shot down an American drone, President Trump authorized shutting down Iran’s missile systems. That was the real warning.
While President Trump wants NATO ready, he knows America needs no help with Iran. Nevertheless, he still wants the alliance to have skin in the game.
