Trump Gets Tough with NATO Members

In 2014, the members of NATO agreed to a deal that stated they would all have to spend 2% of their gross GDP on defense. Three years later only five member states have kept this promise. As Trump continues his first foreign trip as president, he made this point clear during a meeting with the NATO leaders this morning in Brussels.

On a day where NATO dedicated a memorial to their efforts in response to the 9/11 attacks, Trump made special note of the European countries not carrying their fair share of the load in the defense spending agreement, stating that they are taking advantage of the American taxpayers.

It was clear that even though Trump was invited and welcomed at the ceremony, there were much more pressing matters at hand. In response to many of the comments made during his campaign, NATO members were gauging Trump’s commitment to many of the other agreements formed by this alliance.

He took criticism from many of the other nations because he never came out and clearly acknowledged any of these commitments. Sean Spicer, Trump’s press secretary who has been traveling with him this week, cleared up these rumors having said, “Having to reaffirm something by the very nature of being here and speaking at a ceremony about it is almost laughable.” This quote comes as Trump has been very clear on other points made by NATO that he has followed through on.

This sentiment was echoed by NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg who agreed that Trump “has been clear on his commitment to NATO.” This means that all throughout his presidency, NATO has not once had any reason to question his commitment. Although remarks made during his campaign were unsettling he has since proven his commitment to NATO.

Also during his remarks, Stoltenberg agreed that the other nations of NATO must begin to pull their own weight in the defense spending agreement. Although he believes that Trump must adhere to Article 5 regardless of a nation’s meeting of the defense spending, it is unfair for nations of the United States to be fulfilling their spending promise if 23 of the 28 member states are not. He hopes that this does not become an issue as defense spending will be increased as a result of the global coalition to fight terrorism. Although each state has individually agreed to join, while Trump was present NATO as an organization formally acknowledged their commitment to join the coalition as well.

NATO plans to play an integral part as the War on Terror continues by being a center for intelligence gathering. In their new headquarters, where the ribbon was cut just this week, they are addressing a wing solely to intelligence gathering on terrorism as well as other foreign fights.

Together the US and NATO plan to increase the number of troops present in Iran, and also to expand their role. Those currently in Iran will also assist the Afghan government and fight the presence of both the Taliban and ISIS.

Even with this commitment to Trump’s coalition to address terrorism, not all members are as trusting in Trump as one might expect. One issue they have is Trump’s intent to focus on “areas of interest” instead of concerns about human rights. Another cause for concern is his relation to Russia, which many European representatives are very concerned with. He has discussed sanctions to impose against Russia regarding their military occupation of Ukraine, he has not implemented any which has many questioning if his relationship with Russia is more of a friendship.

Addressing defense spending of NATO member states at a ceremony dedicating a UN memorial to their efforts during the 9/11 attacks was certainly not the best place to address the issue at hand currently, it needed to be said. Trump’s mission for his first trip abroad as a president was to form an international front against terrorism, and thus far he has been incredibly successful gaining the support of both European nations, as well as Middle Eastern Nations.

Featured Image via Wikimedia