When Europe invests in its own defense, it also directly supports American jobs, strengthens our industrial base, and reinforces NATO’s collective security.
In a world increasingly fraught with challenges, the recent NATO Summit in The Hague marks a pivotal moment for our Alliance and our nation. Ambassador Matthew Whitaker’s insights underscore the critical need for collective defense investment, a principle that resonates deeply with our Conservative values. As staunch supporters of a strong national defense and economic prosperity, we must rally behind this call to action.
Funny how the talk of "equal Allies" always seems to circle back to how much more Europe should spend, mostly on American gear, from American firms, supporting American jobs. That’s not a partnership of equals, that’s a business model dressed up in patriotism.
From a realpolitik lens, it makes sense, of course. The U.S. isn't doing this out of charity or some sacred belief in "shared defense." It’s protecting its industrial base, locking in arms markets, and maintaining strategic leverage over Europe.
That’s classic hegemon behavior: keep Allies just capable enough to defend themselves, but dependent enough to keep the U.S. at the center.
We appreciate your insights, but let’s not overlook the historical context of the U.S. commitment to European security. The sacrifices made by American soldiers in both World Wars—over 116,000 in World War I and nearly 292,000 in World War II—underscore a profound commitment to defending freedom and stability in Europe. This legacy is not merely about business; it’s about shared values and the preservation of peace.
While it’s valid to critique the dynamics of defense spending, we must recognize that a strong NATO is built on mutual investment and responsibility. The call for European nations to increase their defense budgets is not just about purchasing American equipment; it’s about ensuring that all Allies are capable of contributing to our collective security. This is essential in a world where threats are increasingly complex and multifaceted.
The U.S. does indeed benefit from these arrangements, but so do our Allies. Investing in defense is not only a matter of national security but also an economic imperative. Strengthening European defense capabilities can lead to a more balanced partnership, where the U.S. and Europe work together as equals, rather than one being overly dependent on the other.
A robust defense industry supports American jobs and innovation, which ultimately enhances our collective security. It’s a symbiotic relationship that, when executed correctly, can lead to a stronger, more resilient NATO.
Let’s focus on building a partnership that reflects the sacrifices of the past while preparing for the challenges of the future. A true alliance is one where all members invest in their security, ensuring that we stand together, not just as partners, but as equals.
So the Trump Admin is now openly pressuring Europe to fund the expansion of the U.S. military-industrial complex -- this is exactly the kind of influence that Eisenhower warned us that we needed to safeguard our democracy against over 70 years ago. It's just another step along the short path toward overt authoritarian rule in the U.S. where the government serves the interests of a wealthy few while feeding bullshit to the masses. The military should be subject to the Constitution, not shareholders in new military tech. One of the scariest things I read so far this year was when Trump/Hegseth purged the JAG officers... now there's this.
Has U.S. military policy been updated to include use of (and defence against) the emerging technology of drone warfare?
There are many great articles right here on Substack about how the conflict in Ukraine has changed the paradigm of modern warfare, especially how a mass-produced drone is capable of destroying a front-line tank or 70m dollar fighter jet, not to mention the reconnaissance and anti-personel capabilities.
Thanks for taking this post, Mr. Ambassador! President Trump has assembled a stellar team of the best and brightest patriots. You service and sacrifice are appreciated, more than you know.
I am glad you are able to take a victory lap! Europe has been visibly coasting defense-wise since the collapse of the Warsaw Pact.
But don’t you kinda suspect the 10 year 5% GDP implementation timeframe is actually a loophole that will let the not-on-the-border, socialist, self-satisfied recalcitrants like Germany and Denmark wait until the next couple of US Executives’ Administrations before spending much more than a Euro on meeting that 5% target?
Dear Ambassador Whitaker, thank you for reading this comment and for your service to our country. According to The Office of the Historian at the State Department, “The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/nato
After the Soviet Union ended in December 1991, the primary reason for NATO’s existence was gone. If European leaders truly desire to prevent another major European war, they must pursue “Détente” with Russia because the next World War will destroy both NATO and Russia.
Europe is increasing its funding because Trump has a long history of abandoning allies, including the Kurds in Syria in his first term and Ukraine in his second term. He's said the European Union was started to screw the US and has tariffed the entire world. He's also expressed skepticism that NATO would ever come to the US's aid - when the only time article 5 was invoked was in solidarity for 9/11.
The funding increase is terrible because we're not leaving NATO behind - it marks the world leaving us behind. Ukraine has stopped alerting us before it strikes Russia like with operation spiderweb. 90 trade deals in 90 days turned into 1 trade deal with the UK that so far is still in the "both sides can pull out whenever they want" phase. Trump is currently lying to the media about completely destroying Iran's nuclear program when all other sources say Iran moved the uranium out of Fordow - likely because Trump repeatedly hinted on social media he would be striking Iran. The US is now seen as a mostly unreliable partner around the world.
Outstanding update and it aligns with the America First initiative.
At end of day we ALL have skin in the game and need to pull our respective weight.
🇺🇸🇺🇸
We, the US, need out of nato, NOW!.
In a world increasingly fraught with challenges, the recent NATO Summit in The Hague marks a pivotal moment for our Alliance and our nation. Ambassador Matthew Whitaker’s insights underscore the critical need for collective defense investment, a principle that resonates deeply with our Conservative values. As staunch supporters of a strong national defense and economic prosperity, we must rally behind this call to action.
Funny how the talk of "equal Allies" always seems to circle back to how much more Europe should spend, mostly on American gear, from American firms, supporting American jobs. That’s not a partnership of equals, that’s a business model dressed up in patriotism.
From a realpolitik lens, it makes sense, of course. The U.S. isn't doing this out of charity or some sacred belief in "shared defense." It’s protecting its industrial base, locking in arms markets, and maintaining strategic leverage over Europe.
That’s classic hegemon behavior: keep Allies just capable enough to defend themselves, but dependent enough to keep the U.S. at the center.
We appreciate your insights, but let’s not overlook the historical context of the U.S. commitment to European security. The sacrifices made by American soldiers in both World Wars—over 116,000 in World War I and nearly 292,000 in World War II—underscore a profound commitment to defending freedom and stability in Europe. This legacy is not merely about business; it’s about shared values and the preservation of peace.
While it’s valid to critique the dynamics of defense spending, we must recognize that a strong NATO is built on mutual investment and responsibility. The call for European nations to increase their defense budgets is not just about purchasing American equipment; it’s about ensuring that all Allies are capable of contributing to our collective security. This is essential in a world where threats are increasingly complex and multifaceted.
The U.S. does indeed benefit from these arrangements, but so do our Allies. Investing in defense is not only a matter of national security but also an economic imperative. Strengthening European defense capabilities can lead to a more balanced partnership, where the U.S. and Europe work together as equals, rather than one being overly dependent on the other.
A robust defense industry supports American jobs and innovation, which ultimately enhances our collective security. It’s a symbiotic relationship that, when executed correctly, can lead to a stronger, more resilient NATO.
Let’s focus on building a partnership that reflects the sacrifices of the past while preparing for the challenges of the future. A true alliance is one where all members invest in their security, ensuring that we stand together, not just as partners, but as equals.
Well said!
They can make their own equipment. They aren’t being forced to buy our stuff.
I hear the usual Euro whine here about US hegemony. But it rings hollow when Euro Allies don’t make any effort to be equal.
So the Trump Admin is now openly pressuring Europe to fund the expansion of the U.S. military-industrial complex -- this is exactly the kind of influence that Eisenhower warned us that we needed to safeguard our democracy against over 70 years ago. It's just another step along the short path toward overt authoritarian rule in the U.S. where the government serves the interests of a wealthy few while feeding bullshit to the masses. The military should be subject to the Constitution, not shareholders in new military tech. One of the scariest things I read so far this year was when Trump/Hegseth purged the JAG officers... now there's this.
Has U.S. military policy been updated to include use of (and defence against) the emerging technology of drone warfare?
There are many great articles right here on Substack about how the conflict in Ukraine has changed the paradigm of modern warfare, especially how a mass-produced drone is capable of destroying a front-line tank or 70m dollar fighter jet, not to mention the reconnaissance and anti-personel capabilities.
Thanks for taking this post, Mr. Ambassador! President Trump has assembled a stellar team of the best and brightest patriots. You service and sacrifice are appreciated, more than you know.
please kick Turkey out of NATO
I think the US should leave NATO.
Do it if you can 💩💩
Why do we still need NATO?
The USSR imploded quite some time ago.
This is nothing but a ruse, to extract money from hard-pressed taxpayers, for wealthy arms merchants, and their stock holders.
Let Europe worry about its own defense.
I am glad you are able to take a victory lap! Europe has been visibly coasting defense-wise since the collapse of the Warsaw Pact.
But don’t you kinda suspect the 10 year 5% GDP implementation timeframe is actually a loophole that will let the not-on-the-border, socialist, self-satisfied recalcitrants like Germany and Denmark wait until the next couple of US Executives’ Administrations before spending much more than a Euro on meeting that 5% target?
Dear Ambassador Whitaker, thank you for reading this comment and for your service to our country. According to The Office of the Historian at the State Department, “The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/nato
After the Soviet Union ended in December 1991, the primary reason for NATO’s existence was gone. If European leaders truly desire to prevent another major European war, they must pursue “Détente” with Russia because the next World War will destroy both NATO and Russia.
Europe is increasing its funding because Trump has a long history of abandoning allies, including the Kurds in Syria in his first term and Ukraine in his second term. He's said the European Union was started to screw the US and has tariffed the entire world. He's also expressed skepticism that NATO would ever come to the US's aid - when the only time article 5 was invoked was in solidarity for 9/11.
The funding increase is terrible because we're not leaving NATO behind - it marks the world leaving us behind. Ukraine has stopped alerting us before it strikes Russia like with operation spiderweb. 90 trade deals in 90 days turned into 1 trade deal with the UK that so far is still in the "both sides can pull out whenever they want" phase. Trump is currently lying to the media about completely destroying Iran's nuclear program when all other sources say Iran moved the uranium out of Fordow - likely because Trump repeatedly hinted on social media he would be striking Iran. The US is now seen as a mostly unreliable partner around the world.
Dear Sir,
I beg your pardon for my poor English (I'm italian).
"Tutto molto bene" ... but what about Mr Pedro Sanchez ?
I think we must pay a great attention with such a people.
Best regards,
Massimo Turbini-Bonaca Pennacini
Thank you President Trump. We the people are with you