And Trump is too fucking stupid to realize that the NATO contributions aren’t even going to the USA (or even to NATO).
It’s money paid by a NATO member country to that country’s soldiers and to private arms manufacturers (preferably also in country if it has the capability).
I think he well knows what he does. The protection provided by the US gave it immense soft power in the diplomacy with these countries, but also immense hard power, as it means military bases all over Europe.
Damaging US soft power in the world has been consistent throughout Trumps presidency. The trade war with Europe, the damage to the WHO, the repeated threats at weakening NATO. Now the calls to abandon Ukraine.
It is evidently not in the interest of the US, but it certainly helps Putin.
Mob shake down for protection payments.
And Trump is too fucking stupid to realize that the NATO contributions aren’t even going to the USA (or even to NATO).
It’s money paid by a NATO member country to that country’s soldiers and to private arms manufacturers (preferably also in country if it has the capability).
I think he well knows what he does. The protection provided by the US gave it immense soft power in the diplomacy with these countries, but also immense hard power, as it means military bases all over Europe.
Damaging US soft power in the world has been consistent throughout Trumps presidency. The trade war with Europe, the damage to the WHO, the repeated threats at weakening NATO. Now the calls to abandon Ukraine.
It is evidently not in the interest of the US, but it certainly helps Putin.