Aren't all the western European nations NATO members as well? These articles would give readers more perspective if we the people could see the size of NATO's budget and who pays the bills. For that matter, let's see the budget of the anti-American UN and who pays the UN's bills. Then maybe we could better understand the geo-political economics and why Mr. Trump talks about some institutions being "obsolete" and nations being "deadbeats". Maybe "obsolescence" is better defined as economic obsolescence, where the capital investment gets no return. Reducing capital investment may increase the R.O.I. on existing infrastructure, be it military or political. Maybe the western European nations should consider paying a larger portion of NATO's budget than the United States. Has the NYT done the math? The US is not isolationist when it asks its allies to spend their fair share.
Those allies were saved by the US from German and Russian aggression. Why should the US pay most of their defense bills or am I mistaken?
1
Watch Donald Trump at one of his 'rallies' and you will quickly conclude that he is an old man in the grips of psychosis, who channels the blather of Prof. Irwin Corey, the 'insult comedy' of Don Rickles, and the mannerisms of Benito Mussolini.
Add to that a bit of that old Steve Martin schtick: 'Hey, I'm just a wild and krazy guy!'
And there you have it, America's own reality tv entertainer/President, appearing for two shows tonight at NATO HQ! Tickets still available at the box office! He's got great ratings!
Let's say there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. Let's further say the peepee tape doesn't exist, and Russia has nothing on Trump to blackmail him. Let's say Trump, is not in fact, Russia's stooge. WHY DOES HE KEEP ACTING LIKE IT!? I don't get it. Can this really all be because he wants to put his name on a tower in Russia!? Ugh.
"Putin’s track record shows he can’t be trusted.”
And neither can ours. Especially now with Trump in.
1
The U.S has a trillion-fold more benefits than claimed by Trump for being in NATO ... worldwide strategic placement and over $1 trillion dollars in trade, for starters.
(link: https://www. nytimes. com/interactive/2017/01/16/world/trump-military-role.)
Trump lies to the American public when he says we lose money on NATO. He criticizes our allies for not paying their share. They do. it was only decided at the last NATO meeting that members had to raise their contribution to 2% of GDP, within 10 years!
The U.S. established NATO to protect our global interests, support a mutual defense pledge, democratic governance, the rule of law, civil and human rights, and an international economy.
Trump and the Republicans no longer support these ideas, given their unconstitutional measures taken.
None of them serve the American public, and, instead, each grows their personal net worth as much as possible while in office.
Trump threatens to reposition his NATO forces. I am assuming this would be to guard Russia during their military drills in the Baltic and Black Seas, guard Russian oil tankers and block ports worldwide to control their imports and exports.
All of these moves would be illegal, but when has Trump been stopped for any illegality by Congress? Who has the will?
For non-Trumpists, vote at the mid-terms. For NATO members, build your armies, and look to the EU, Canada and Mexico for aid and trade.
Russia will attack the EU, maybe with Trump's help.
In NATO land there is a saying "Not After Three O'clock". No sense of urgency there in Brussels.
I really don't want to see the United States of America involved in another war in Europe but left to there own devices it's just a matter of time. If the locals over there pay their correct share I say stay. If not, not.
Has no one else thought of what would be the perfect gift that Putin can give Trump in Moscow?
What else but Edward Snowden.
Snowden will be lead onto to the tarmac and up to the stairs of Air Force One in restraining shackles by Vald.
Stopping at the bottom of gangway, he will be handed over to Trump in a grand flourish of ceremony. Trump will lead him up the stairway hobbling in chains.
In exchange, Trump will authorize the return of all Russia residences and embassies in the U.S. along with the return of any and all assets seized previously.
A full pardon will be given to all Russians previously identified as spies by the CIA.
When Trump meets with Putin, you really have to wonder if he is meeting with his intelligence handler.
Playing into Russia's hands...what a shock. This disgrace is owned completely by Putin...
Mr. Trump, just try to get through this NATO conference without embarrassing the country. In fact, why not try to learn something. Listen for a change. Leave the `MAGA' stuff at home. Besides, we all know you're just saving yourself for Vlad.
I feel bad for the Queen that she has to treat this Oval Office pretender with even a modicum of dignity. I hope he and his wife are treated with the least amount of cordiality possible, like so much detritus floating over. I wish they could turn their backs on them, but they are far too polite.
Shouldn't the title be: "Trump poised to Enter NATO Meetings, as Wild and Crazy, among Allies"
Trump is literally so ignorant in every way that he cannot make himself try to speak to the members of NATO. He knows that they are knowledgable and articulate and he won't make himself look the fool amongst them as he already has done at the G7 and other previous meetings. He is visibly uncomfortable with the Trudeaus, Macrons and Merkels of the world - knows he is not in their league and acts out to cover up. Putin and Kim are easy - wanting to cozy up to the big man and he gets it and feels great when he is accepted as their good buddy. Sometimes it just comes down to the quirks of personality and in Trump's case this is exacerbated by the fact that everyone is watching all the time. Of course he is scared - and he is not covering that up very well any longer. But he will continue to bluff big and go home. He just can't act as the leader of a great nation because he is too concerned with acting as himself.
trump should disband the Joints Chief of Staff...he has Putin as his foreign policy go- to-to-guy!
Trump more than appears to be a Russian asset. I think he is one based on my own reading and observation. Who benefits from the destruction of NATO? Any person who has been paying attention knows that Russia would be a main beneficiary. As long as the media continues to call him a wild card and cast him as possibly laughable and entertaining, Putin keeps winning. I want to read what the New York Times will be saying a year from now--if it and a free press still exist in America. So keep on normalizing his behavior.....
2
Rampant irrational Russo-phobia will lead us to war. As has been said, the only thing more dangerous than building an empire is losing it. We are in dangerous times and we must face up to the reality that America's power and influence is fading fast. Let us recall that with the fall of the Wall, Russia is half the size it was before, hence half the so-called "threat". The Neocons are a cancer and their patently ridiculous shrieks (if facts mean anything these days) regarding the Russians betrays their real fear: losing power and profit.
1
Note to Trumpty Dumpty:
Before you continue criticizing European NATO members for "not paying their fair share," start paying your delinquent contractor bills, delinquent hired help bills, delinquent taxes, etc., etc.
In other words, prez, start practicing what you preach.
2
NATO's European leaders need to realize that merely acknowledging Trump's ignorance, abject stupidity and pugnacious demeanor isn't enough. They need to stand up for the ideals that Nato espouses, and not cower when Trump lies and bloviates and ridicules the organization's membership. NATO functioned well long before America's misguided regent ascended the throne; it will go on functioning long after Trump is impeached and sent to prison.
2
There must be pee tapes - actual or Kushner-wize ?
There's no need to increase spending on arms. Europe has been the US military backyard for more than 70 yrs now. Did that help ?
Take your soldiers out of Germany, take your missiles as well...and good riddance !
Your costs will significantly shrink. We could meet at 0,5 % of the BPM.
There's better ways to spend tax money.
If Putin lusts to annex Poland even the Poles will wake up.
Why squander precious money to pretend non existent danger ?
Because your 'grab them by the p' needs to sell everything that is bad for the people very pronto, now. Arms, fear, idiocy and bad conduct.
We won't buy this.
1
Will you send the money back we spent feeding your citizens in 1945 Mr good riddance. Next time just don't call because we will be busy dealing with more important issues - like our own country.
Seems to me WWII ended in May 1945 in, guess where -- Europe. We had reasons to stay that seemed reasonable -- Communist aggression in Eastern Europe. We didn't like communism then so here we are 72 years later doing what exactly? And paying a huge chunk of money for exactly what?
When I was in the military in the mid-sixties one of my friends in the army somehow was stationed in Germany while I was having an all expense paid trip to a lush land. He somehow was given the ultra important highly secret job of ski instructor for our fellow GI's in Germany and from elsewhere in the ETO at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
God I hated him and them. As a Saturday morning economist I am beginning to think that we should bring home the ski instructors or st least have them paid for by the Europeans on a much larger scale. Fair is fair and currently it ain't fair.
A wild card more like a wild boar (bore).
It is obvious that Trump will give Russia all it asks; he is Putin's shill.
I can only hope that Trump shuts his mouth and works with the NATO summit allies. Know that's unlikely. Why is it taking so long for Mueller to finish his investigation into Trump and Russia? I don't believe for one minute that Hillary lost because of Russia and FB 'ads' and misinformation as I saw it on both sides and Americans don't deserve the vote if they succumb to FB as their source for news. Hillary lost because she was not liked and because millenials failed to vote. But, Trump and family appear very much tied to Russia from their business perspective. It cannot be that hard for Mueller, who has spent millions on this investigation, to finish. The only reason at this point seems that he makes more money if it continues and he wants to drag it out, or he is missing some key information that makes it a shut case. What is he missing????
The leader of the NATO council, Donald Tusk, has already chastised Trump for not recognizing the US "strategic allies" while aligning himself with Russia - which, btw, pays naught towards US military spending, rather costing US allies dearly in lives & dollars as they defend against Russian expansion around the globe.
However, the Russian criminal mob under Putin's dictate does invest in the US energy sector, unsurprisingly one of Trump's pets too, a fact which should make any thinking American shudder.
Certainly Trump's meeting with Putin will be "easier", as he says. They talk regularly by phone, according to Trump, & they have the same real estate intentions.
3
Yes I seem to remember something about uranium stocks being purchased by Russia via Canada. That's energy right? Purchased from that previous President and his sidekick the future president. Not
In large part, our NATO allies have themselves to blame for never reaching the 2% spending target. Underspending by our wealthiest allies has been an issue of contention for, well, decades! Any fool can see that this is not a stable platform for an alliance. Trump is still way off base with his threats and bluster, but the Germans, and others, handed him the stick he's using to beat them.
1
Poor Europe. Two major world wars, and now Trump visits. They just can't catch a break.
1
Trump sanctioned the kidnapping of toddlers and holding them hostage for a wall. That is terrorism. He should be in court answering for this instead of travelling to Europe and getting more marching orders from Putin.
1
While his supporters self-congratulate, basking in the SCOTUS nomination afterglow, Trump is now off to Europe to subvert the very democracy those cultists claim to support. Trump is not a "wild card" — he's The Joker in Putin's pocket, put there by bankruptcy, debt and nasty blackmail.
1
I think Trump is the worst President the USA has ever had, but to the extent that NATO nations do not pay their fair share of defense expenses, it only makes it harder to challenge him on other points.
1
Jack and John - I'm not interested in promoting of world of escalating craziness. Canada is a signatory of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty which means we have pledged not to do what you guys are suggesting. Sure, Trump is obnoxious and the US is fast sinking under a wealth of corrupt politicians. But the ties between our countries are very deep and all you have to do is look at the toxic public statements of Doug Ford to know our US friends are not alone in their problem.
1
I can see the truth in what you are saying especially in respect to my own country, Canada. On the other hand we see Putin in a very frail state financially, and we see the US spending more than all the rest of the world combined on its military. Frankly, I wonder about the wisdom and necessity of the 2% target agreed by Nato, including Canada.
1
Charles, Canada is a signatory to the NPT and I understand your sentiments. But, that does not alter the cold reality that the Government of Canada's first duty is to credibly ensure the sovereignty and security of Canada. Consider the facts:
1) The NPT is rooted in the post-WW II order. That order is now being pulled down by the Trump administration. This includes the World Bank, the WTO, UN, NATO, & IMF.
2) Trump has stated words to the effect that the US should never have given Canada its independence (Shows his state of mind).
3) Canada has vast and desirable resources.
4) Canada does not have the population nor economic strength to build a conventional force to credibly repel potential US military aggression. This parallels NATO's challenge vis-a-vis Russia.
5) US ICE/Border Patrol agents are already illegally boarding Canadian ships in Canadian waters to search for illegal migrants.
6) Nuclear weapons for all of their potential horror do present a credible deterrent, particularly in the case of a weaker state faced with potential aggression by a stronger state (i.e. Canada - US respectively).
7) Lastly, the Trump administration has not been pulled back by the other branches of the US government (Congress/Judiciary).
The US presents a clear and present danger to Canada and the Canadian way of life. However unpleasant, Canada has a duty to prepare to deal with a hostile state to the south of its border. The world paradigm has changed and we must change with it.
We will see how Trump behaves at this meeting. But after his last debacle with our European allies hope that Trump will behave in a statesman-like fashion cannot be very high. Right now Vladimir Putin must be 'high-fiving' his operatives who helped get Trump elected in 2016. Putin could not have found a better puppet to carry out Putin's mission to destroy Western alliances.
2
Trump is performing for his base back home, nothing more. Look, look, I can be a bully with allies. The notion that thinking your allies will always be with you is ultimately flawed.
Furthermore, I don't trust trump's motives when it comes to Russian. There are too many coincidences and shady dealings. Eventually the truth will come out concerning trump and Russia. I just hope it is not too late.
3
Bud0 - Riddle me this, Trump defenders:
1. If it’s really about spending, then why, in picking his fight with NATO, did Trump specifically threaten not to come to the aid of Estonia and Latvia if they were attacked? They are among the highest military spenders in Europe, already meeting their NATO GDP commitment. So why did he pick on them and not low-spending Germany? Is it coincidence that he picked on the two countries that are next on Putin’s hit list?
2. If it’s really about NATO spending, then why is Trump also busily attacking Putin’s other great nemesis, the EU? Why did he try to persuade Macron at the G7 to quit o the EU? Why did he support Brexit, a campaign which was revealed yesterday to have been coordinated by Russian officials?
Revealed: Leave.EU campaign met Russian officials as many as 11 timeshttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jul/08/revealed-leaveeu-campaig...
3. And finally, Trumpers, explain to me why Trump demands that no Americans be present for the first hour of his meeting with Putin.
Oh sorry, did they forget to report that fact on FOX News?
Why did Trump demand that? Why no American aides or staff allowed?
Can’t wait to hear the explanations of the Trumpers/Putinbots for that one.
.
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At the conclusion of the NATO meeting President Trump will immediately proceed to Moscow where he will be warmly greeted by Vladimir Putin, presented with the Order of Lenin and then taken to see his free and beautiful new dacha, which of course will say TRUMP in huge letters on the outside. Felix Dzerzhinsky would be so proud. Dosvedanya, President Trump.
The NATO meeting isn't really a Trump thing. Too many people on the stage sharing the limelight. Better to bully your way to the center of attention. Since Trump has "the Best Words" he instinctively knows in that huge gut of his how to play this gig.
Historic context and diplomacy are not important when you can threaten alliances and extort cooperation. Besides, the NATO show is just the runner up ratings wise for the big prime time special with Putin.
The one on one is more Trump's style. He will dominate Putin physically and use the press to give him the attention he needs to exist. As for the substance of this Helsinki summit, Trump has maneuvered at totally secret, undocumented meeting with Putin which is totally unnecessary and should not be allowed. And yet it will happen.
The ONLY question the world press should be asking is WHY? What was said will never be revealed. Why? Supposition about sanctions being dropped or US Military reduction in Europe might be announced. Or big US and Russian oil deals.
The GOP Senators have set the stage at home for our country's cooperation with Putin's Russia after their groveling trip to Moscow a couple of weeks ago. They will argue that Trump is right of course and that he is doing what is best for America. They are totally complicit in this show. Do the GOP and Trump want the Russians to 'help' again in 2018/20?
America and NATO await the Trump trashing.
1
Trump will obey Putin and roil up the NATO meeting. He always acts in Putin's best interest. He's financially beholden to Putin and will be meeting the big boss right after the NATO summit so he won't want to disappoint and have to be chastised about it. The sell-out of America continues unabated under the Republican watch. How is it even possible we will have a private meeting with the guy with whom he is begin investigated for collusion? Only in a Republican run America.
2
Sorry, “alarmed conservatives” but “Russia is the aggressor — Ukraine is the victim” doesn’t hold a candle to what “conservative” warmongers Bush-Cheney did to the Middle East, a firestorm that killed thousands and thousands of innocent people and that will continue to haunt the Middle East for at least a generation.
Get a grip, Heritage Foundation, deal with reality not the self-serving imagined.
1
Stop all this criticism. Trump is a very effective negotiator. He is doing a super job for Mr. Putin. Believe me!
2
Donald J. Trump is a "Leader" indeed. He is a leader of Chaos. As he throws bombs and blows up established ways of moving ahead, others have to spend more time and effort picking up the pieces of the world order that Trump has just destroyed. That keeps the world from seeing just how incompetent this childish terrorist really is.
1
The President of the United States has sold out his nation and its allies to pleasure the dictator who helped get him elected.
There is no reason for him to remain in office. We need to dispense with the hand-wringing that oh gosh, impeachment and a criminal trial would just be too difficult and divide the nation.
Nothing will ever be more disruptive and divisive than the President selling-out the United States of America.
4
Trump and his mentally challenged entourage should become Russian citizens and live there permanently.
5
Let the NATO Allies laugh at him, shun him, cut him off when he says the usual stupid things, and generally feed him his lunch (make it gruel.)
1
Is there hope for humanity in this dangerously conflicted situation? We sure need it. Not being an admirer of bullies like Trump, Putin, and other oligarchs, I struggle to find a logic that yields hope.
How about this scenario? Trump is rebuffed by the US's NATO allies who (a) disdain his threats, (b) need Russia's gas, and (c) have learned much better than the US how to structure societies in which harmony is achieved by governments (i) requiring the rich to pay higher rates of taxation, (ii) creating more intelligent social safety nets, (iii) encouraging and regulating intelligent innovation, and (d) are some of them (notably France) learning that workaholic habits and sticky social hierarchies are brakes on human progress that can be eased.
Trump then visits Putin who says "You know, we've got some great people in Russia. They sure vote for me, and there are many warm reports of people from all over the world thoroughly enjoying the World Cup festivities we recently staged."
The first paragraph is reasonable expectation and solid facts. The second describes something by no means impossible to imagine. So, if Putin were to say something like it and then he and Trump were to review the first paragraph together, something hopeful for all of us just MIGHT come out of their conversations.
It might take several meetings among the protagonists for what I'm imagining actually to happen, but it's neither unreasonable nor impossible, is it?
1
If the Heritage Foundation is against something, I am for it. They are always wrong. Always. Kudos to Trump for ignoring those ideologues. Like it or not, a better relationship with Russia is in America's national interest.
Trump deserves credit for finally taking NATO to task over their refusal to meet their spending targets. Obama should have done the same thing, but he didn't want to step on anybody's toes. NATO does indeed need to start paying more. What good will they be in a war if they can't be bothered to maintain armies because they can count on America to leap to their defense? The EU is large and rich - as large and as rich as the United States - it's shameful that those countries can't get to 2%.
2
NATO and Europe of 2018 are not at all like the economic basket cases they were back in 1949. Money or not, the Europeans are more than capable of taking care of their own defenses. Let them do so.
Perhaps it is time to treat NATO like we treat Israel. This is, we should be the greatest of friends, the strongest of trading partners, but completely separate when it comes to providing for our own national defenses.
Where do we go and what must America now do to get our “Get Out of the next European/WW III Card?”
Packard--You kidding? The U.S. will Start WWIII!
2
Hard to start a war if you are not there to fight it.
Trump attacks our allies at NATO. Trump praises Putin; our enemy. GOP met Russians on July 4th(yes;July 4th) in secret nmeetings. Trump will meet Putin in secret meetings. Wake up-Trump is telling you his priorities. Trump/GOP is money and power. If we do not vote them out; Democracy is finished. Vote out GOP. Ray Sipe
7
I think "Joker" would be more appropriate.
3
It is time to use duct tape and tie wraps on Trump until he learns the ins and outs of NATO and how it operates. Either that, or sanctions.
4
Marlene--You forgot the rubber room, and the medication. Could work very well towards the benefit of our country.
This notion or European values and interests being aligned with those of the US are possibly true but then, so are those of the UK and look how the Europeans try to 'punish the UK. President Trump is right to play 'hard ball' with Europe as it is the only language 'they' understand.
To get into a special event there is always a price to pay and the cost of that ticket must be the minimum 2% of GDP into NATO and a level playing field on trade tariffs.
As an amateur and thug represents us in the worst light possible, McConnell continues to spew his lies on the heads of the American People. Why? What's in it for Mitch? trump does only for himself. I repeat. trump does only for himself. All is chaos designed to distract from his rampant stealing. Melania feels better! She can now join him on a luxury trip to Europe! Meanwhile, children languish in cages, the economy is 'robust' for the 1% and an enormous trump blimp will fly over London. Confusing? That's the point. trump cares naught about NATO. It's all part of the three ring circus. And the taxpayer is footing the bill. Get him outta here!
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You can't prepare for a meeting with Trump, he pops off like a Roman candle, except with a Roman candle you have some idea of what will come out next. With Trump it can depend on what Hannity told him that morning or what some other commentator has said. Sad.
11
According to NATO, “Today, the volume of the US defense expenditure effectively represents some 67 per cent of the defense spending of the Alliance as a whole in real terms¹. This does not mean that the United States covers 67 per cent of the costs involved in the operational running of NATO as an organization, including its headquarters in Brussels and its subordinate military commands, but it does mean that there is an over-reliance by the Alliance as a whole on the United States for the provision of essential capabilities, including for instance, in regard to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; air-to-air refueling; ballistic missile defense; and airborne electronic warfare.”
In 2014, NATO apportioned each country’s fair share of funding at 2% of GDP. In 2017, only four of the 29 member nations—the Unites States, United Kingdom, Greece and Estonia—met the guideline; only eight are expect to comply in 2018.
https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_67655.htm
2
William--It's exactly like the tax cuts, for the rich, in our country. What SHOULD happen is those who are most able pay the most. With great fortune, comes great responsibility. The rich should pay more, the poor much less, but we still have a common interest. Supporting our allies only helps us, in the long run. Our NON-Diplomat-in-Chief can never understand this because his only true interest is money, for himself, mainly.
The NATO fair share formula says each nation should pay 2 percent of its GDP. Under the formula, the rich do pay more than the poor, but 25 NATO nations are paying their fair share.
Not sure why no one calls out the fact that Trump isn't being entirely accurate in his position with NATO. (I know...shocking)
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization includes ALL military spending, including pensions and R&D, in its numbers for member states.
True the US by far leads the pack. Also true that a large portion of that expenditure is on wars and other military actions not sanctioned by NATO, where the US is acting unilaterally or outside of Euro interests, also true that a big portion is for patrol and security in the Pacific, nothing to do with NATO directly unless Article 5 is invoked in which the rest of NATO would have to come to the defense of the US.
Compare that to most Euro countries where nearly 100% of their spending is within NATO.
Assume for a moment that half the US spending is not NATO related. That leaves the US at 1.85% spending relative to NATO, and calculated on that basis, the US would not make the cut either.
11
Trump does to NATO states what is necessary and long overdue. They have to do more for their defense.
1
There's one thing that military build up's generally result in... Wars.
The US is a perfect example. US spends the most - gets in engaged in more wars than anyone else.
Its NRA thinking to a significant exponent. Best way to solve World Peace is...... yup... More Guns!
Lets see what he's been able to accomplish.... adding to the ONE significant achievement so far - tax reductions.
Calling him a wild card is far too generous. He is a bomb thrower, worse an irrational bomber with no objective or understanding that his actions will have far reaching consequences. Observe the tearing down of the western alliance. One hopes the world will forgive us this President and his actions when he is gone.
15
We need to stop wringing our hands in despair over the actions of a President who clearly isn't putting the USA first. He is only enabled because the GOP leadership is enabling him. Their acquiescence and willingness to look the other way, in the face of overwhelming circumstantial evidence about Trump and Russia, is what will be remembered when the dust on this difficult time finally settles. Don't expect Trump to change, especially if no one is forcing him to do so.
14
Note to Trump:
Before you accuse NATO allies of not paying the organization enough, start paying what you have owed -- for years -- to contractors, hired help, the IRS, etc.
Thank you.
24
Commenting on Boris Johnson in another NYT article Jenni Russell states, "It is petrifying that the deliberate deceptions and wild ego of one man can so mislead a nation." Reading her article it is clear so many of Johnson's traits and failings are applicable to president Trump.
16
The NATO member states' representatives will no doubt exhibit the patience, resilience and diplomacy borne of their long-term experience in international matters as they deal with the man Trump, who, necessarily, represents the United States.
Mr. Trump will likely embarrass and perhaps chagrin those of us who would expect mature decorum and graciousness on the part of our president at any NATO conference. The point that Mr. Trump would like to have made on the subject of increased fiscal responsibilities on the part of other NATO members can be carried forth in a civil and logical manner--but, with Mr. Trump, I'm afraid that scenario will probably not be played out.
Alas, let's hope our European allies understand the situation and let Trump's words and actions be kept within the context of the immature (and perhaps ill-prepared) person they will be dealing with.
2
We need subject matter experts involved in any talks with Nato, not a draft dodger.
11
Europe should boycott this rogue president. When a cooler, reasonable leader, that can uphold treaties, execute our laws and defend the Constitution again ---then a NATO meeting would be valid.
8
This trip is what Trump thinks will be his movie star debut. The Europeans hate him as much as Americans do. The reason he is so enthralled with Putin is because Putin has so much corrupt info on him. That meeting is all about "What can you do to help throw the midterms?" You will get everything back. Those nice homes for your staff on the Potomac as well as uninhibited travel in the US. The FBI is being assailed at every turn because they are our first line of defense against this assault on our democracy.
9
"Wild card" is right, with emphasis on the first word, in describing Trump's dangerous approach to NATO. It will come as no surprise if he threatens to reduce American financial and military support if other members don't immediately significantly increase their contributions. Given Trump's record of trashing agreements as "bad deals," it also wouldn't be a surprise if he even threatened to pull out of NATO. Of course, this is all prelude to his meeting with Vladimir Putin who would like nothing more than to see Trump leave the meeting with NATO in tatters allowing him a free hand to fulfill his dream of restoring the Soviet empire by further expansion in Ukraine, the Baltic states and even into Poland. Trump's isolationist "America First" policy amounts to a rejection of the post-World War II policy of containment and detente and potential appeasement of another dictator coming on the heels of his "peace in our time" pronouncement to his failed summit with North Korea's dictator, Kim Jong-un.
5
The question that has to be answered is how can both the senate and congress allow this to happen. I forgot they do not care about the United States or we the people. Their only concern is the republican party. This can only be stopped by WE THE PEOPLE!
10
The expectations of chaos are so high. What happens when the ratings level off for Trump? A time to start a war? Shoot someone in the street? Sure hope the billionaire baby doesn't get bored. He loves the attention, and moving toward danger increases his ratings.
8
I feel that the iron is hot and the time is right for Mr. Dump to push his Russian agenda. I believe he is being pushed by Putin to take action now and attempt to alleviate sanctions.
He could lift sanctions now and just get away with it. The media, the Democrats, no one knows what to do. Just get away with it , Like every other destructive he thing is doing.
In the end however there will be a reckoning for him and the Republican party.
10
Trump is out as an agent of Putin.
He refused to sign the last G7 agreement and asks to anyone listening why isn't Russia in the G8?
He conveniently overlooks the Crimea invasion, Putin's assault on the US presidential and other free democratic elections, and the murder of a British citizen resulting from a failed assassination attempt using nerve gas on British soil.
This should encourage all NATO allies to draw closer together, ex-Trump.
Trump will pass, and this shameful part of history will too.
Thus Republicans who collaborated with Trump will be noted as traitors to the nation in eternal infamy.
If the British people wake up, and realize Brexit was part of Putin's campaign to break up the EU and NATO, they can still reverse course and hold an election without the Russian lies dictating the outcome.
Trump is corruption, ego, and self-gratification personified - and not worth any elected leader's time.
17
Don't forget shooting down a civilian airliner with hundreds of deaths. Many would consider that an act of war.
7
The wild card is a joker.
4
May I offer: The Wild card is a joke, a clown.
4
SO TRUMP TRUMPS TRUMP Demonstrating to the world that he acts like the hellion he was as a child, starting food fights at birthday parties. The role is irresistible to him, as he is compelled to seek negative attention and to make a name for himself as a spoiler, just for the sake of spoiling. Also, he proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a law to himself, holding in greatest disdain any externally imposed legal considerations. His taking the presidential oath was just another lie to get him what he wants. Anyhow, the Senate Intelligence Committee found unanimously that there is evidence that Russia helped him to win the 2016 election. It shouldn't be too difficult to get those who have flipped on Trump to give the evidence they have that Trump colluded with them. So the leaders whom he will abuse need not take him too seriously. How long will he be able to maintain his position, until his alleged crimes are proven beyond the shadow of a doubt? (DISCLAIMER THE EXPRESSION "How long will he be able to maintain his position" is intended to convey the sense that the consequences that will accrue to Trump if his alleged wrongdoing is proven, will include possible the shortening of his tenure as president. No harm is intended toward the person of the president.)
6
Why has no one noted the strange scheduling of the President attending the NATO summit and immediately going on to meet with Putin?
In ordinary times we could expect unity at the NATO summit and then our President delivering a firm message to Putin. In this case, what if he does a repeat of the G7 and then goes and buddies up with Putin in Helsinki?
Seems like the coincidence of this timing would be newsworthy.
9
It does seem that although this coincidence has not been emphasized in the press, many of the comments here have noted it. I just wonder why we're not seeing more editorial commentary on it.
5
The one thing that scares Donald Trump more than anything else is ‘details’. He has incurable fact-phobia. Why? Because facts do not play into the fantasy he creates for himself. Forever playing, ‘the victim’ who’s getting the ‘raw end’ of a deal may have served him well squeezing a little more out of his real estate dealings. But transferring that M.O. to domestic and foreign policy is imminently disastrous.
Its bad enough that he play-acts that he is being persecuted by crooked and unethical; media, the Democrats, Congress, the Senate, the FBI, etc. But he’s extended this illusion to include America’s best allies.
Again, facts don’t matter to him: Russia is never going to launch a conventional WWII-type-war or nuclear war against Europe. The cost would be horrendous. So the US spending on more nuclear weapons and ABM systems is not cost-effective.
The reality is: if Putin feels he can get away with it, he will do exactly as he has done in Georgia and Ukraine - send in unmarked troops and weapons. All the while claiming they are independent rebels, freedom fighters, coming to the aide of the millions of Russians in the Baltic states or Poland.
So what really ‘counts’ Mr. Trump, is the number troops on-the-ground at the border, and the military hardware to support a fight against these mercenaries. Not how much you spend.
4
The leading American proponent of unlimited Ally destruction is sailing into Europe blithely this week with the Wife that ‘doesn’t care, do you?’ That should be quite interesting. Meanwhile, the English are drawing down on each other over Brexit while trying to stomach the American lunch bags coming to visit. Stay tuned.
9
Let's see. Trump wants to ruin the alliance that has kept the peace in Europe since WWII, remove American troops from Germany, leaving Russia free to create mayhem, meet with Putin alone and without witnesses to cede Crimea, Ukraine and who knows what else - what could make his sponsor Putin more delighted? I hope those hotels in Moscow are worth betraying his country.
8
There is no question, right, that Trump is Putin's hand puppet?
16
“They fear that Mr. Trump might unilaterally cancel planned NATO exercises, in particular Trident Juncture, a large one planned for late October, and Anakonda, for November, to practice the defense of Poland. And they are concerned he might abandon sanctions on Russia over Crimea and eastern Ukraine.”
“Mr. Trump has dismissed concerns about Mr. Putin as overblown.”
Is it possible that Trump is planning a “Kim Philby”? Will he disappear only to show up at a ground breaking for a Trump Tower in Moscow? Stranger things have happened…
6
"Mr. Trump’s stance has alarmed many conservatives. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, posted a tweet last week "
Awww, the Heritage Foundation is worried about what Trump might do—like maybe sell out the United States to a former KGB agent and vicious dictator? That's so cute.
23
This trip will be a disaster. Trump behaved on TV last night and one gets the sense that Kavanaugh was not really his first choice but rather a politically safe one. It's back to the wrecking ball, otherwise known as his natural state.
12
"Mr. Trump appears to have a special animus toward Germany, believing that Berlin has developed a vibrant social system and thriving export-driven economy unfairly, and on the back of the United States, by not spending enough on defense."
Think how much better the nation and the world would be if the US decided to invest in a vibrant social system and thriving economy by spending less on defense.
Of course, the fool Trump and his paper-patriot Republican backers believe the exact opposite. They believe that might is right and nothing will convince them of anything else.
17
Wild Card? More like Played Card. trump has been outplayed at every card table since assuming the office. The remainder of NATO should isolate and preserve itself from Putin's man in the Oval Office. trump should be shunned on the international stage.
16
There is a plan: Destroy the Nato fight with the allies make oil expensive again and repower the Russians. We should be more than careful.
3
Why doesn't the EU or NATO or the UN do their own investigation of the external influences on the "Don". It would be on the basis that he is not negotiating with them in good faith and is being influenced by external parties seeking to either weaken the organization or reduce its effectiveness.
It would be free from the Dems/Rep's deadlocks, and could dive deep into the Don's international dealings including the funds for his buildings funneled via European banks and supported by Eastern Europe and Russia. Could also look into other investments and partnerships involving the Trump organization and their influences on the negotiating positions of the president in international situations.
Best way to make cockroaches disappear is to shine a light on them.
9
This article is based on bureaucratic thinking and without proper understanding of the person who is leading the USA. Trump, an accomplished business man, wants to achieve things that is good for America, NATO and the world. He wants to increase contributions from each member countries to NATO, he wants to reduce tariffs and trade restrictions to boost fair and free trade, he wants to have good relations with Russia to create world peace and to deter other threats, etc. If you continue to think and act bureaucratic way and your aim is to have a good party at the summit, nothing is going to work. Trump is not such a leader. Trump believes in results and he has so many to show. It is too bad that NY Times can see only negatives.
1
Government is not business. What has trump ever accomplished that would lend itself to the effective administration of a country?
8
Bogus false fact alert. Trump is in No Way an "accomplished businessman." His "business success" has been a con job repeated too many times. Trump is a grifter and a con artist - that is what he has succeeded at in his life, to include his accession to president.
The truth will eventually out -- Trump has been deeply compromised by Putin. This travesty of a U.S. president will ultimately be exposed, and all of his supporters will have to come to terms with that brutal exposure. It will happen. I can only hope it is fairly soon, to limit the damage that this aberration of a president has already inflicted on our true allies.
We are also spending far more than other country on our military. Is Trump willing to confront this?
7
In response to the President's contention that Europe is getting a free ride, I would counter with two words: Article 5. We should note that it's only been invoked once since the formation of NATO and specifically to our benefit. Free ride indeed.
16
The question isn't whether or not Trump will give another piece of our democracy away - just how much of it.
24
If Kim Un and Putin were accomplished cellists, we could applaud their playing Trump even better than Yo-Yo Ma plays his instrument.
Kim Un got what he wanted - a visit with the USA president who wanted to appear as the 'savior' of the world by taking NKorea's nukes away, and left the USA president with egg on his face and nothing but windy promises to 'do better'.
When the USA president meets the master of the string instrument of empty promises, V. Putin, we should all fear what will be the result.
28
"Wild card" is one way to put it.
"Loose cannon" is another.
"Russian agent" is yet another--the most apt.
He preaches "American allies can be our worse enemies! Right?"
He rails against G7 for excluding Russia.
He rails against NATO--Europe's defense against the Russian "Thugocracy".
He champions weakening EU, just as he rails against NAFTA and North American allies--to weaken their Russian defenses.
His trade war will weaken the Western Economy--if not causing a global depression.
His campaign and post campaign cohorts have been Russian agents. Some perhaps worried about Russian assassination by the Russian nerve agent killing Brits.
Is Trump worried? He wants a one on one with Putin.
Trump Inc has for decades been totally reliant on Russian funding.
For more see--http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/07/trump-putin-russia-collusio...
38
The image Trump chooses to project as the wild card works for him because it feeds his ego. All eyes are on him and how he will behave. What he fails to understand is this is behavior befitting a toddler, not a mature adult much less a sitting U.S. President.
16
Trump and the Republican Party are allied with Russia not the EU. Working feverishly to block the investigation into Russia’s interference in our Democracy to help get Trump elected.
27
But Trump has a point. Why aren't the Germans paying 2 percent? Their economy and their society are, according to most indicators, healthier than our own. They are the third-largest economy in the world, and have nothing like the debt burden we are carrying. The Germans have to start pulling their own weight.
Although it's important to maintain close ties with the EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, all those countries need to take up more of the burden of their own defense. It's not 1945 or even 1985 anymore.
2
Well none of those nations see themselves as a superpower that need to go all over the world demonstrating its dominance. Iraq and Afghanistan come to mind. Trillions down the drain there. The US is the new Greece. Keep spending. The puppeteer is playing his Manchurian Candidate perfectly.
3
@John: Your point is well taken, but it's also irrelevant. I favor a smaller US military and a much smaller US global footprint. Every foreign intervention since Vietnam has been wrong for America (and arguably for the world as well). And in many cases (Vietnam and Iraq come to mind) intervention has led to disaster. But the point is, if we are going to have a NATO, then wealthy member states like Germany need to contribute their fair share. I'm not in favor of breaking up NATO, but if the other members don't want to pay. . . . The United States is never going to be overrun by the Russian Army. Probably Germany won't be either, but at least that's an imaginable possibility. If the Germans don't want to pay more, then I'm fine with bringing all US forces home.
I have Canadian friends. The Canadians played very important and heroic parts in both WWI and WWII. But you've had virtually a free ride as far as defense is concerned since 1945. As much as I love Canada and Canadians, I'm not interested in subsidizing your defense.
The Europeans are stealthly more Trump than Trump, with Danish Forced integration camps (start at 18 month old), German boarder holding facilities for refugees, Italy closing its ports to sinking refugee ships, and the concentration camp/Island of Lesbos. Then there are the policies of Poland, Hungary, Denmark, Italy that make the Trump Travel Ban look like a soft liberal policy. The rise of nationalist parties that make the GOP look like Bernie Sanders in every country.
Next for the Europeans is setting up Refugee holding Camps in Libya, a country that has open air slave markets (the Merkel Plan), what could go wrong...
Trump is a loud mouth with dim solutions , but the issues he is highlighting (old trade and tariff policies that have had a negative impact on millions of workers, an immigration policy that is 30-50% illegal ) should be in the wheel house of the Democratic party.
1
Trump is not "a wild card." He is a Russian agent doing Putin's bidding, treasonously abetted by the Republican-led Congress. How else to explain his trashing of NATO, NAFTA, Canada, Mexico and our European allies while expressing fawning admiration for Communist dictators.
40
Trump may not need friends, but America does – and we won’t find new ones on Venus or Mars.
15
May should demand Trump spends more on its leases of 6 air bases in England, that it uses for extensive electronic monitoring and surveillance in order to protect the “Homeland”. If he doesn’t comply with her order, she should tell the Americans to leave since they are of little benefit to England. The hacking into Merkel’s phone was done from these facilities. She would thank May. Although America would be less safe, but in the present climate, who cares?
5
The sad part in having Donald J. Trump sitting in the Oval Office is that his only concern is how he looks to his base and how many times per day his name hits the pages and screens of the legitimate press. Trump has no knowledge of how the economy functions, no knowledge about geopolitics, no strategy except to abolish Obama from the history books and is an inept, back alley, inarticulate, foul-mouthed, spoiled brat bully which is an embarrassment to the majority of Americans and a danger to the American way of life.
Trump's bloodless coup d'etat and establishment of an autocratic oligarchy has not gone unnoticed by the global community. Trump's narcissism, bordering on the psychotic, is disrupting the world order in a negative manner. The only folks applauding his antics are his 95% (ers) who live in the America within America that Steve Bannon and FOX News have cobbled together for its Supreme Leader, Donald J. Trump. The real America and the global community are worried and rightfully so.
50
"Trump's bloodless coup d'etat "
Not bloodless. There is suffering and death every day. Just not necessarily where the news cameras happen to be.
1
I'm expecting the same performance from Trump at NATO. Lurching around scowling, pausing every once and awhile to whine about everybody taking advantage of the US. Same act in the UK. Am eagerly waiting for his fake smile performance after his meeting with Putin where they will talk about lots of 'things'. His act is getting old.
21
I keep hoping that someone else in our government is having side conversations with our allies, reassuring them that we are committed to our mutual future and that we promise that this guy DJT, is only temporary. Then I realize that we have no assurance this will be true and that a side conversation is likely treasonous.
We must vote in extrodinairy numbers in the midterms to show the world, we have not lost our grasp of reality, history, and our collective minds!
6
“I’ll see NATO and I’ll tell NATO, ‘You’ve got to start paying your bills,’” he said. “The United States is not going to take care of everything.”
China take note. Goose, meet gander.
I no longer feel American. The country I was born and brought up in is now a totalitarian state answerable to Vladimir Putin. Once the courts have been subverted, the change will be complete.
20
This is a no brainer. Trump will want to please his handler so you can predict what he will do at the NATO meeting.
14
There are two things wrong with the headline to this article, 1st it states that Trump is a wild card, it should just say that he is insane, 2nd it talks about allies, in his short time as president Trump has managed to get rid of any allies that America had.
11
Why are we allowing this man, who lost the majority of the vote, to upend the order of things?
13
Because of a republican congress that has abdicated it's role. That's why.
5
When will NATO intelligence agencies manage to find and expose clear evidence of collusion?
Unpeeling the onion skin of Brexit financing is a beginning.
Humiliate powerful people and they will strike back.
Where the Deutsche Bank loans came from is a must. . Which depositors control the bank?
7
This may well be a waste of time with May's UK government in a state of disarray. And Trump's visit to the UK even less useful. Who can he speak with who has real authority?
2
The United States manufactures and exports a wide variety of armaments. Pushing NATO is just another way to raise profits for American arms manufacturers. America is losing its moral credibility and leadership to simpler strategies like having the most and biggest guns and threatening countries that don't see the world in the same way as Republicans. It's sad to watch America deteriorate so quickly under Trump.
12
As with everything Trump dislikes, he wants to tear it down. He has no plan of what it should be other than "something great". Leaders have vision of where we need to go, Trump has a vision of a bigger bank account. Trump is only interested in the now and in having people fawn over him (and a larger bank account).
A sane President would work with other world leaders (especially long time allies) to improve current agreements (plus actually understand the current agreement), not bully them and throw temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way.
Lord (and Mueller) help us!
9
Trump can’t plan, can’t focus, can’t articulate, and can’t make sense. He also has no interest in anything beyond pomp and accolade. So basically we should worry about his advisors, not Trump.
8
Let the world absorb the acts and action of our counterpart to Vladimir Putin. They are differences to be sure, and Trump's affection is likely rooted in fear. Every European reporter covering Trump should reacquaint themselves with the Steele dossier. Highlight the items that appear to be substantive according to American mainstream news and about all that is left is a 2013 video of the man who would be president frolicking with Russian prostitutes at the Moscow Ritz.
Whether blackmail, indebtedness or some other horror, Putin has a stranglehold on our guy in the White House.
19
The NATO states are the front lines and maybe they should just arrest Trump for Crimes Against Humanity.
23
I hope that Angela Merkel asks Trump on camera, "Why are you jailing babies? When are you going to reunite them with their parents? Why haven't you done it yet?"
37
Please specify the “Russian Threats” you are talking about.I don’t see any.
3
Russia issues they ultimatum are attacking Germany and Poland. TELLS Trump help them or maybe be nuked. Who trust Trump to stand up to Putin?
Just a little unreal maybe for a couple years.
What about Russia shuts down Natural Gas Pipelines demanding dropping all Tariffs on the Russians and extra fees for the gas? Which will Trump support?
1
This man has no intention of shrinking our military. He would end up with thousands of unemployed military members and canceled defense contracts. Let him rail about NATO members not paying their fair share. He won't do anything about it. What would he do with all that extra money if he didn't spend it on the military? Infrastructure? Healthcare? Education? That sounds like socialist talk. Better to break up our international relationships and make Vlad happy.
15
I hope that our allies at NATO ostracize Trump as the despot he is. They certainly must know that he is going to betray the Western Alliance for Putin's benefit. Trump has demonstrated that he cannot be trusted. He is a wholly owned Russian asset.
79
The one element missing is the sense that Trump has a broader vision, long-term and short-term goals. There are some elements of national and international interests that rely on stability and formula, without any disruptions to their purposes or goals. I suspect that Trump lacks that wisdom.
2
Trump stands alone in US Presidents, not supporting democracy in Europe.
12
What wild card? Trump's MO is to attack your friends and cozy up the dictators. That is classic Trump, not unlike the businessman Trump who would shortchange his subcontractors and scam his own partners and customers alike.
53
There is a proverb in Spanish which translates to something like "The brave man stands until the coward allows".
Many of us complaint about Trump, yet very few of those who can get close, dare to say something to his face. We all wait until we are at a safe distance. Given the opportunity, everyone kisses the ring.
No wonder Trump behaves as if the rules of decency and decorum do not apply the him. Who is going to stop him ?
16
Trump will undoubtedly put on a good show in Brussels, reminding our NATO allies that, in his opinion, they may need us but we don't need them. The creepiest part is that Trump's whole performance will be aimed at an audience of one: Presidential BFF, Vlad Putin. The way Trump treats Putin, you'd think he was angling for an upgrade to FWB.
4
NYT "Mr. Trump appears to have a special animus toward Germany, believing that Berlin has developed a vibrant social system and thriving export-driven economy unfairly, and on the back of the United States, by not spending enough on defense."
From an American perspective, Trump is quasi-correct.
The US post-WWII strategy was to strengthen economically Europe while building a powerful military. It was cost-effective and geopolitically advantageous during the cold war.
In this new century, the US is an over-indebted military superpower while Europeans enjoy prosperous welfare societies.
Americans have plenty of guns while Europeans enjoy food, a rich cultural heritage, the Mediterranean sunshine while watching top notch football games. Life is good, particurly in France and Germany.
9
Every day we are given further proof that DJT is doing Russia's bidding. We have a dangerous president, driven by ego and greed who is aiding his pals in Russia in weakening the European Union.
He sold the honor of the United States for a lot more than 30 pieces of silver.
63
Dear Reporters,
You begin as follows, “NATO summit meetings were once ritualistic events, with the member nations assembling to proclaim that the alliance had never been stronger and pledging to work together on the security issues of the day.”!
Which is correct and a also a lie! NATO is and always has been an alliance against Russia. It was when Stalin ran half of Europe, it is today when Putin is trying to reassemble some of what Stalin ruled.
The nature of the threat has changed as well. Russia is not the CCCP. Today much of Europe feels the big Russian threat is a cutoff of heating gas in Winter and not the sound of tanks from the past.
Western Europe ihas changed, mostly it is Old, Fat, and unprepared to meet its security needs. 70 years of the U.S. defending Western Europe allowed it to spend on social welfare rather than defense. Spending more on its defense would reduce that social spending and still not solve the “gas problem”!
This is especially true of Germany which has practacly no military and pays nothing for the American forces stationed there. That The average German looks down on the Americans there defending them is a given,
As to the “unity lie”, Europe and the U.K. are at odds over Brexit. Scotland’s Government is trying to leave the U.K. Spain is divided internally. And much of Europe has problems with Turkey!
Unity, “None for me thanks!”.
It’s well past time for the rest of NATO to pay for its own defense! and stop taking us for granted!
1
The US largely built the western alliance. You could strongly argue that by putting its former enemies back on their feet following WWII that US could claim to be the greatest and most enlightened country in history. And now will the US preceded to further disparage its allies even as it prepares to embrace a murderous tyrant in Putin? We can hope Trump will praise his allies for actions taken to strengthen the alliance ( for which he can take some credit - best silently) and seek a strong mandate to confront the murderer Putin in his moment of financial frailty and push him to get out of Ukraine and cease his destructive tinkering in Western Democracies. Interesting that the biggest financial backer of Brexit has now been revealed to have met at least 11 times with the Russians during the Brexit campaign.
6
The article says that allies are concerned trump will bargain American troop strength on the continent.
Anyone who does a bit of hard thinking would recognize that overall EU does not want American troops on the continent period. Nor do they wanna pay for it nor for their own defense. Their immediate goal is to build up their own industries to outcompete American corporations and push them out of the various markets (various trade barriers, tariffs, bureaucratic investigations and penalties etc etc). Look at the bankrupt American car industry and European never ending investigations into Facebook google and other Silicon Valley darlings.
The reason Germany says it will take well into 2020s for them to meet the 2% defense spending is that that’s how it will take them to build in their own defense industry to this capacity. Alas, they will not purchase UK/US (“allies”) built equipment thats readily available.
America must be kidding itself thinking it’s being desired anywhere on the continent.
4
In the end the USA will end loosing arms sales.
Does Trump think that any European country will purchase any USA arms system after being subject to blackmail?
A good start would be to cancel all F-35s orders and replace the current F-16s with Rafales, Eurofighters, Saabs or whatever. Even Sukhois who knows?
The USA arms systems are already too expensive even without the current tantrum.
6
At least during the cold war it was clear who we should fear the most.
58
It's pretty darn clear today.
1
Putin sends in the game plan ... 45's duty is to create chaos in the world. ..... and sell more military weapons to both sides. These two want the world to come apart at the seams.
23
This estrangement from our allies in Europe is a result of Mr.Trump not reading or even caring about any history .He missed knowing about World War Two, the Marshall Plan and the reconstruction of Europe- he even missed the Cold War and has no memory of Ronald Reagan as a nemesis of the Soviet Union.For Trump History is yesterday and revolves around business deals.His ignorance is embarrassing and a disgrace to our country.
89
Janet, you've given Trump too much credit. The estrangement from our allies is not the result of, "Mr. Trump not reading or even caring about history."
The estrangement is the result of having a Manchurian candidate elected to the US with the help of willfully ignorant Americans and Russian operatives. Now, Trump is betraying the Western Alliance at the bidding of his boss, Putin.
7
@Janet Michael: Trump isn't destroying our relationship with our allies because he doesn't know history. He wants to be the first American Dictator. That's why he's doing this.
And nobody seems to be up to the job of stopping him.
1
We cannot base our relationship with Europe on the Marshall Plan doctrine anymore. We can't afford propping them up. The kids grew up, and need to make it on their own.
I am Italian, I live in Tuscany, I am lucky. But then we now have far worse than Trump’s populist party leaders that on immigration are downright belligerent. I am having second thoughts about staying here, especially as it seems that Trump is succeeding in tearing apart my beloved EU and NATO as well. Well my wife is american and my daughter, american, lives in NJ, naw with Trump et al there better wait ‘awhile’.
I also have a son, american, who lives in London, hmmm there? I pass on that as well what with May and that merry band of Brexiters, looks like they are facing a few too many cliffs.
No dice, as I wrote at the beginning I am lucky and I’ll stay here just in case my daughter and my son might decide to stay with us for ‘’awhile’.
Saluti
37
You should try living next door to America...yikes!
The hate and division Trump is intentionally causing oozes over the border and is starting to hang over us like a cloud.
He attacks our economy and our Prime Minister based on lies and deception. I can say without hesitation that for the first time in modern history the values of the President of the US are not the values of Canada or Canadians. Trump is a disgusting human being, and probably a criminal at best, and probably a traitor.
Canada, like Italy, has a segment of the population that is easily fearful as well as bigoted against anything that is not like them...the target is always immigrants.
The truth is however that the vast vast majority of immigrants simply want a better life for themselves and their children. In terms of their 'culture' changing us, that is simply not the case. An immigrant's cultural never survives more than two generations. What that means is that the grandchildren of immigrants will be as Canadian loving and completely embrace Canada as any of us, perhaps more so...FACT!
Turning to populism and fear does nothing but divide and weaken a country...so it's values of liberty and democracy become vulnerable to attack.
Enter Putin, who spreads billions of dollars around to support division and hate.
Please do not give up on Italy. Stay, get involved, and fight for the greater good of us all. We will do the same here, with or without America. It's who we are, and the right thing to do.
Trump is unaware of the historical context that surrounds the NATO group. Such wilful ignorance has led to Trump attacking other NATO allies.
Instead of screaming how the other NATO members are not pulling their weight, surely Trump needs to show a tiny bit of diplomacy, instead of the sledgehammer approach.
If Trump continues to offend other NATO members, then it may come back to bite Trump or the US, when they want the other NATO members to agree with a particular strategy or policy.
Trump has surrounded himself with other wilfully ignorant sycophants, who would rather agree with Trump than call out his errors. In such a short time, since MAGA has become the new catch phrase, the US continues to look inward while attacking long standing allies who deserve much better from the US.
19
Our Manchurian faux Grifter-In-Chief, Trump, is Putin's lap dog.
Putin already has Trump on his short leash, while grifter Trump is helping Putin and thinks he can make money from Putin Oligarchs and Russia, too.
He'll continue to bust NATO's chops thinking he's aiding Putin, which he is, and he'll be Putin's comrade in arms to split the spoils.
Trump has been willing to also sell out the US in addition to NATO, as he has, since he was inaugurated to make money here too.
Avaricious Trump first, Putin second, NATO third, and US last.
32
NATO has been the main pillar of 7 decades of peace after WW II, despite the cold war between the East (Warsaw Pact, now Russia) and the West.
Given what has happened in Crimea and is happening in Ukraine it is obvious that NATO today is as important as it was when it was funded.
Trump, openly displaying that he is ignorant of the past and present alike, displays his chandler's soul whereby he seemingly intends to put a price tag on the "commodity" security.
Seems that the US acts and likes to be perceived as a mercenary rather than a trusted ally. If that should be true, then the US should not be surprised if they are going to be treated as such. The time will come where the US will need allies and will find itself all alone.
Simply despicable.
44
President Trump, as part of his RECIPROCITY policy, asked NATO members to upgrade their contributions for their own defence. This is a good thing for Europe and America. The reason the European oligarchies are reluctant to do that is related to their 'reactionary' pacifism, that is, they want to maintain the status quo, with a relatively submissive, docile and quiet civil population, not trained in the military matters that will entail a different kind of mentally that could create a more aggressive population, ready to fight for their rights and duties. Europe, like Japan, was militarily 'castrated' after the WWII to keep the 'peace' and prevent major troubles and those who depend on that do not dare to change anything, as they know they would not last long in power. That is why, also, Japan and South Korea do NOT want a confrontation in Korea that could jeopardise their economic investments and militarise their societies. That explains why, Trump's sabre-rattling (probably fake), was feared by a Japan and a South Korea always bent on negotiation. They do not want war or the threat of war and they are prepared to submit to any threats, bullying and conditions to remain in power.
2
"Europe, like Japan, was militarily 'castrated' after the WWII to keep the 'peace' and prevent major troubles".
Even at the risk of being accused of 'living in the past', I respectfully take issue with your comment (and its corollaries) above. Were you not around in 1962? Do you recall how close the world (including the European part of it) came to nuclear conflagration? (Declassification of documents has showed we were even closer than we realised.)
The UK may not have been just 90 miles from Cuba; but we were not-many-hundreds-of-miles from eastern Europe and Russia, and provided air-bases for a highly-significant percentage of the USAF nuclear-loaded bomber fleet - not to mention our own V-Bombers, very few of whose crews seriously thought they'd have an air-base to land back at after completing their missions. The Russians were luckily (or by strategic design) also of that view, since a high percentage of Russian targets were less than 3 hours' flying away, and once USAF/RAF aircraft were airborne the Soviet air-defence systems could not be expected to interdict sufficient numbers for them also to avoid annihilation. (Not for nothing was the strategy known on both sides as "MAD" - Mutually-Assured Destruction".)
..But hardly preparations by eunuchs lacking solidarity with its US ally, either, I'd suggest..
8
In a way you coincide with our position. The threat of war, overly exaggerated in many occasions precisely to discipline, intimidate and educate in peaceful ways the civil populations at large in pursuit of political assent, was more or less managed and limited by MAD, that required a highly specialised and professionalised section of the main military powers, that is, America and the USSR. In the 60's the British military, a special case, a victor and close ally of the US, went professional too, with the other militaries having 'mass' armies but of very low grade (mostly considered a waste of time). Japan, Germany, etc, also have strong militaries, but they are mainly frameworks on which to built in case of utter necessity and not mass, popular undertakings. Also many governments, with the help of leftist parties and even the USSR (for strategic reasons), spread a 'pacifist' ideology in which the military was denigrated and ridiculed as the originator of all evils, with the result that the military has been left in the hands of the most 'traditional' circles and families and away from society.
Thank you for your response, comite espartaco, and for your understanding - which has also improved mine.
More "Wild man" than "Wild card".
2
No one can count on us as long as baby Trump is in office. He likes to stir up trouble because, if you are worried about what he is going to do next, you are not likely to be prepared for his off-the -wall decisions and thoughts. He does not understand the way a NATO organization needs to function. He is not a student of history, politics or management. He does not read or listen. So what he will do is anyone's guess. We put him in office and we now have to tolerate the mistrust he has generated. Perhaps we only need to wait until November to begin the re-balance of our country but only if we control for Russian interference and vote one and all.
16
Well ladies and gentlemen, we are officially living on the worst timeline. An American president is publicly berating our closest allies while gleefully looking forward to playing footsies with his new best bud, Vlady Vlad while being cheered on by 40% of Americans who will swear on the Bible that they are the most patriotic people ever. Strange times indeed.
104
I have been stating the obvious since the election and now New York Magazine has it on its cover: Trump is a Russian asset and has been for decades. Wake up people.
122
If President Trump is a Russian asset, Chancellor must Merkel must be a Russian 'Doll' or, as some call her, a 'Soviet Nun', a voluntary member of the Free German Youth (FDJ), the official Communist youth movement of the GDR's, where she was a high official in Agitation and Propaganda. She speaks fluent Russian and OPEN the borders to free for all migration, destroying the EU and easing the strategic position of Russia.
1
I've always thought what Merkel has done is her revenge for the west, especially West Germany, winning the cold war.
If the defense of Europe is so important, then why haven't the Europeans spent the money to do so? They're only increasing the money now after letting their militarizes, especially Germany, become 'chocolate soldiers'.
Trump will sell any NATO member who won’t toe his line to Putin just to prove what a ‘great deal-maker’ he is.
6
Although Trump’s attendance at this year’s NATO summit is much feared, the alliance should not let him focus on spending alone, because he knows it’s the only trump card he can play to sow discord and make threats. Any sign of weakness or insecurity will be a boon to Putin.
NATO member states need to unite and tackle problems on their doorstep: a revanchist Russia to their east and chaos to the south. Moreover they need to figure out what Brexit will have an impact on the defence alliance and address the relationship with their most unruly member, Turkey. Trump ought to deal with Erdogan, who is undermining US policy in Syria.
10
It's long overdue for the Americans to exit NATO; Europe has the money and they should end unnecessary American bases, dissolve NATO, and continue on their own. The Military-Industrial-Complex of the US is a thorn in everyone's side, including us, we, the US. Germany reunified and the Soviets left, but not the Americans. We have troops close to Russia, but I don't see Russian troops in Canada or Mexico. When will the US see clearly on these issues, but I guess we didn't notice or swept under the table our failed incursion into Vietnam, or how being nuclear power is irrelevant when any developed or undeveloped country can acquire that power. Wake up!
2
Being in NATO gives us strategic influence worth more than it costs.
7
Recent news about how Putin is becoming more emboldened shoot holes in your theory.
7
After the G-7 experience the European leaders should have been better prepared to take Trump for what he is or whose game he is playing. So Trump's wild card entry into the NATO summit is unlikely to spring any surprise except perhaps some more complaints and frustrations from his side.
4
Diplomacy is often clouded with secret protocols, side deals based on a wink and a nod, and other arrangements "not for public consumption". But this time around with the NATO summit meeting, the stakes are right out on the table for all to see. Although not present for the meeting (obviously), the goal of the Russian Federation is glaringly obvious: the ultimate breakup of NATO. The more dissension and squabbling among members, the more the RF - and of course its leader, Putin - love it. Putin is a revanchist, determined to restore some semblance of the old USSR. A fractured Western Europe would be a giant leap toward that goal, and if all it takes reams of flattering letters to stimulate Trump's role as an insider agent provocateur, he'll do it. Trump is painfully easy to manipulate, especially now that he's blown up like toad from a mere "birther" to a head of state, hob-nobbing with genuine national leaders. I'm sometimes tempted to think of Trump as a "useful idiot" - a term probably invented by Vladimir Lenin - at the end of Putin's puppet strings. Vodka and caviar all around in Moscow after the summit? Very likely.
4
The foundation of the Alliance is the strategic nuclear doctrine of mutually-assured-distruction. No NATO member trusts America's nuclear deterrent.
NATO doctrine has always been that a Russian invasion of Western Europe, would force NATO to utilize theatre nuclear weapons first in order to repel Russia's conventional forces, given the established (and accepted) asymmetry of conventional forces between NATO and Russia.
A use of theatre nuclear weapons invites and risks the use of strategic nuclear retaliation by Russia which is only deterred (according to NATO doctrine) by America's triad strategic nuclear land, air and sea based forces.
Trump has entirely undermined NATO's doctrine of deterrence and everyone from Moscow to Ottawa knows it.
NATO's non-American members will now build a new military alliance: one that is no longer dependent on America. This new alliance will be focused around the UK's and France's independent nuclear forces as the new guarantor of the West's strategic nuclear deterrent strategy.
It is entirely within the realm of possibility that Canada will now too seek to build its own independent nuclear deterrent force.
This Canadian force may be billed publicly as securing Canada against its Northern neighbour, Russia. But, it will also serve as a deterrent against possible aggressive military threats from America. Canada too has taken to heart Trump's comments, and like North Korea we have learned that Trump responds to military strength.
11
I agree. Canada should build its own nuclear deterrent force. Enough to make 'any' country think twice about attacking us. We don't need a massive first strike force like the US and Russia. We have the technology and no know how to build them. Its time to realize our relative conventional military weakness.
I no longer agree that the US is our friend, merely a friendly rival. The US would sell us out in a minute if it suited their interests.
The next 50 years will be about access to drinking water. Canada has drinkable water sources than any other country.
We need to protect this national treasure from those who may feel the need to come and take it.
2
"Playing into Putin's hands"? Well, if what is meant by that is government of the rich; by the rich; and for the rich, then ... yes. But it's not just Putin's hands that are being played into. It's every dictator in every country in the world. This explains Trump's admiration for every murderous thug dictator in the world and for trade policies which will raise the price of everything and keep everyone but the very rich struggling financially. And, apparently, as long as he keeps hugging the flag, his supporters will just keep refusing to recognize him for what he is.
6
There are no longer any illusions among EU and NATO allies regarding the Trump administration. Trump sees chaos and disorder as an advantage, giving him room to maneuver and employ leverage and extract concessions, even if he has no clear idea of what those concessions might be beforehand. Narcissism does not recognize the value of human relationships, and EU leaders now know they will not have good relations with this American president. All of which begs the question: this will make America great again??
7
I have to agree with you! I am wondering how much longer the people are going to show up at those rallies? Once the prices start going up at Walmart and the start to lose their jobs.
Trump seems prepared to get along with our enemies while trashing our allies. It's not only embarrassing, it's very dangerous.
It would not be surprising for Trump to blow up the NATO meeting, then go on to complain to Putin about our allies.
He is a very dangerous man, especially since he doesn't read or take advice from others.
4
I could not agree more. Trump is absolutely despised by traditional allies of the U.S.; and he seems hell bent on making it worse every time one of these meetings take place. I will leave it up to readers why he seems more comfortable dealing with Putin, Kim ,and other despots; while treating NATO leaders like dirt. The damage he is doing will take years to undo. The really sad thing is there are so many in the U.S. who could care less. Guess that is why so many Americans in Europe pretend to be Canadians. Trump makes it worse every day.
2