Trump’s Wise Words to NATO: Pay Your Share for Defense
THE ISSUE: Trump’s criticism of Europe’s NATO leaders for failing to contribute enough for defense.
President Trump’s “lecture” to the leaders of NATO was well-deserved (“Pay Up!” May 26).
Since WWII, the United States has supported a military protective shield over Western Europe, and the American taxpayer has borne the brunt of the financial burden.
As a result, rather than being thanked for our financial sacrifices, we are often mocked by those we are protecting.
Trump is absolutely right to call them out, and they may frown to their heart’s delight. It will not free them from these facts. It’s time for European taxpayers to step up and share the costs of defense. Peter Welch Carmel
Trump fulfilled his promise to call out the 23 NATO leaders who aren’t paying their fair share of dues, pointing out that this arrangement is not fair to American taxpayers, and the media mock, ridicule and attack him for it.
It seems the media, like our last president, have grown accustomed to the United States being pushed around.
And they still wonder why Trump won? Anthony Johnson Brentwood
Trump should take a lesson from the famed coach Vince Lombardi: “Praise in public, criticize in private.”
His admonition of fellow NATO members for their fiscal commitment was cringe-worthy to many observers, not to mention the recipients.
He had already made this point in his campaign, and it was widely reported. There was no need to rub it in their faces again. This is something you do to your enemies, not your friends. Phil Serpico Queens
With 23 nations delinquent on their financial obligations, how was NATO able to build such grandiose headquarters?
NATO member nations can rest assured that if any one of them is threatened, NATO will be able to move their entire population inside the headquarters building for protection.
Trump was right to lecture the members. I hope he does the same at the ineffective United Nations. Ed Kelly Massapequa
I was thrilled to see Trump publicly remind European leaders that their countries are not meeting their obligations.
It’s isn’t fair to American taxpayers. We are fed up with paying the bills for the defense of European countries, while their leaders meet in state-of-the-art, billiondollar headquarters.
Former presidents may have politely and privately asked NATO members to meet their obligations. It changed nothing.
Now we have a tough guy in the White House who doesn’t mince words. If the rest of the NATO members meet their obligations, then the United States will, as well. That’s fair. DM Diana Greeley, Pa.