Trump questions why US must commit to defending all NATO allies

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3 hours ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

Actually we are paying for the German bases because Germany gets money from those bases and also the economic activity of those bases help stimulate the local economy of the surrounding area.

Depends on the region.  Some bases are located in underdeveloped regions, and those regions definitely benefit.  Other bases are located in densely populated region (Frankfurt, Stuttgart) where they take up valuable real estate that could be used in more profitable ways (from a strictly economic point of view).  Munich benefitted when the Americans moved out. 

 

3 hours ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

Actually Trump's biggest issue with NATO is exactly the same issue I have with it.... A large number of countries within NATO do not pay the amounts that they are supposed to be paying per the NATO agreement. Those countries are just allowing the USA to foot the bill for almost everything.  

Most NATO members do not meet the agreed 2% guideline, but that's not identical to the US footing the bill instead.  Europe's current defense spending is actually mostly adequate for defending Europe's territory, considering the potential adversaries' defense budgets.  That the US pay so much more is their own decision, and that decision is not motivated by wanting to protect allies, it's motivated by wanting to have the biggest and most powerful military in the world, by wanting to be able to attack and invade anywhere in the world at any time, and by wanting to keep defense contractors happy.  

 

The NATO allies have agreed to move towards the 2% goal, and I hope they keep their word.  But don't fool yourself that that would save the US taxpayer a single dollar.