Subject: T-Rump Lies About NATO, Gets Publicly Schooled For It
By a former NATO ambassador. On Twitter, no less.
Despite what you have heard from the FAKE NEWS, I had a GREAT
meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Nevertheless,
Germany owes.....
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2017
...vast sums of money to NATO & the United States must be paid
more for the powerful, and very expensive, defense it provides
to Germany!
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2017
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
1/ Sorry, Mr. President, that’s not how NATO works. The US
decides for itself how much it contributes to defending NATO.
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
2/ This is not a financial transaction, where NATO countries pay
the US to defend them. It is part of our treaty commitment.
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
3/ All NATO countries, including Germany, have committed to
spend 2% of GDP on defense by 2024. So far 5 of 28 NATO
countries do.
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
4/ Those who currently don’t spend 2% of their GDP on defense
are now increasing their defense budgets. That’s a good thing.
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
5/ But no funds will be paid to the US. They are meant to
increase NATO’s overall defense capabilities, given the growing
Russian threat.
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
6/ Europe must spend more on defense, but not as favor (or
payment) to the US. But because their security requires it.
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
7/ US does provide large military commitment to NATO. But this
is not a favor to Europe. It is vital for our own security.
Ivo Daalder
@IvoHDaalder
8/ We fought two world wars in Europe, and one cold war. Keeping
Europe whole, free, and at peace, is vital US interest.