President Donald Trump took to Twitter Monday morning to reiterate his frustration with the spending imbalance between member states preceding NATO’s summit on Wednesday.
“The United States is spending far more on NATO than any other Country. This is not fair, nor is it acceptable,” Trump tweeted. “While these countries have been increasing their contributions since I took office, they must do much more.”
The United States is spending far more on NATO than any other Country. This is not fair, nor is it acceptable. While these countries have been increasing their contributions since I took office, they must do much more. Germany is at 1%, the U.S. is at 4%, and NATO benefits…….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2018
“Germany is at 1%, the U.S. is at 4%, and NATO benefits Europe far more than it does the U.S.,” Trump wrote. “By some accounts, the U.S. is paying for 90% of NATO, with many countries nowhere close to their 2% commitment.”
He also linked the spending imbalance to the United States’ trade deficit with the European Union.
“On top of this the European Union has a Trade Surplus of $151 Million with the U.S., with big Trade Barriers on U.S. goods. NO!”
…Europe far more than it does the U.S. By some accounts, the U.S. is paying for 90% of NATO, with many countries nowhere close to their 2% commitment. On top of this the European Union has a Trade Surplus of $151 Million with the U.S., with big Trade Barriers on U.S. goods. NO!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2018
Trump has long been critical of the United States’ allies for not satisfying spending commitments and not contributing enough to their own defense. His grievances were aired as far back as his 2016 presidential campaign when he questioned the usefulness of the organization and complained that other members were “not paying their fair share.” (RELATED: Trump Secures 35 Percent NATO Defense Spending Increase From Macron)
Trump will attend the NATO summit in Belgium beginning on Wednesday.
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