In case you missed it, US President Donald Trump met German chancellor Angela Merkel in what looked like an incredibly awkward visit at the White House.
And then several hours later, Trump decided to make his thoughts heard on Twitter, he claimed Germany owes “vast sums of money” to Nato and the US “must be paid more” for providing defence.
Despite what you have heard from the FAKE NEWS, I had a GREAT meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Nevertheless, Germany owes…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2017
…vast sums of money to NATO & the United States must be paid more for the powerful, and very expensive, defense it provides to Germany!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2017
In a tweet from his Florida resort, where he is spending the weekend, the president wrote that he had a “great” meeting with Merkel this week, despite reports to the contrary.But he reiterated his stance that Germany needs to meet its end of the bargain if it is to continue benefiting from the military alliance.His remarks prompted Ivo Daalder, a former US representative to Nato, to respond saying “that’s not how Nato works” while adding that increased European spending on defence was not a “favour (or payment) to the US”.
1/ Sorry, Mr. President, that’s not how NATO works. The US decides for itself how much it contributes to defending NATO. pic.twitter.com/8svkzRBEQb
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
2/ This is not a financial transaction, where NATO countries pay the US to defend them. It is part of our treaty commitment.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
3/ All NATO countries, including Germany, have committed to spend 2% of GDP on defense by 2024. So far 5 of 28 NATO countries do.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
4/ Those who currently don’t spend 2% of their GDP on defense are now increasing their defense budgets. That’s a good thing.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
5/ But no funds will be paid to the US. They are meant to increase NATO’s overall defense capabilities, given the growing Russian threat.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
6/ Europe must spend more on defense, but not as favor (or payment) to the US. But because their security requires it.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
7/ US does provide large military commitment to NATO. But this is not a favor to Europe. It is vital for our own security.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
8/ We fought two world wars in Europe, and one cold war. Keeping Europe whole, free, and at peace, is vital US interest.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
9/ A strong, united NATO, in which all contribute their fair share to defense, will secure that peace for all Alliance members.
— Ivo Daalder (@IvoHDaalder) March 18, 2017
Trump is yet to comment on Daalder’s statements.
