By Mena Yousef | March 2, 2025 | 1:44 AM PST
The scoop: Donald Trump’s White House comeback is shaking up NATO, with conservatives praising his drive to overhaul America’s global commitments.
Why it matters: Trump’s “America First” approach isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a warning to allies that U.S. blood and treasure won’t flow freely forever. Conservatives say Europe’s overdue to pull its weight.
- The vision: A streamlined “New American Alliance” prioritizing U.S. security over endless handouts.
- The context: Trump’s once called NATO “obsolete”, and with Russia’s Ukraine war heating up, he’s got ammo to demand reform.
By the numbers:
- Only 11 of NATO’s 31 members hit the 2% GDP defense target in 2024.
- The U.S. covers ~70% of NATO’s costs, per 2023 figures.
What they’re saying:
- “Europe’s been coasting on our dime,” a Trump insider told Axios. “Time to pay up.”
- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg insists: “Unity is our strength.”
The America First angle: American taxpayers shouldn’t bankroll Europe’s welfare-state daydreams. Trump’s insistence on fairness is strength, not retreat.
What’s next: Brace for rocky NATO summits as Trump leans on allies to rethink the pact—or watch U.S. support fade. Europe’s already on edge.