Are EU Leaders Terrified of Trump Holding Them Accountable for NATO?

Since the 2024 election cycle has begun, the left-wing media keeps reminding us that European leaders are terrified about the prospect of a change in administration because of the earth-shattering expectation that they may be pressured to pay their fair share for the NATO alliance. How unfair!

The United States pays more than twice what all European members pay

Historically, NATO has been a cornerstone of transatlantic security, but the financial burden has been disproportionately shouldered by the United States. In 2020, the U.S. defense budget was a staggering $778 billion, compared to the combined $323 billion spent by all European NATO members (despite a population of 120 million more than the U.S.). This discrepancy underscores America’s dominant role in NATO, a fact that has enabled European countries to allocate more resources to social services, such as free healthcare and education?.

Imagine walking through the immaculate streets of Berlin or Warsaw, marveling at their efficient public transportation systems and well-maintained infrastructure. One might ask, as I did, “How do they afford all this?” The answer, in part, lies in the U.S. defense expenditure. By covering a significant portion of Europe’s defense costs, the United States inadvertently subsidizes European welfare states.

Consider the financial aid the U.S. provides globally. Between 2014 and 2023, the U.S. sent $68 billion to Ukraine, a sum that could have been used to address domestic issues like fixing crumbling infrastructure in minority communities, veteran homelessness, and substance abuse problems exacerbated by open borders. The U.S. spent over $2 trillion on the war in Afghanistan alone – we got little for our precious blood and treasure.

Looking for dragons to slay gets expensive

This isn’t to say that U.S. defense spending in Europe is without merit. The presence of over 35,000 U.S. troops in Germany, for instance, plays a crucial role in maintaining regional stability. However, this military presence comes with significant financial and political costs. Are our leaders not tempted to perpetuate endless military engagements abroad and sustain a security state at home to justify these expenditures? Are we not always looking for dragons to slay? Does the military-industrial complex have undue influence over our political leaders?

With the permanent occupation of European countries and dozens of bases across Europe, the temptation for U.S. leaders to exploit this power is ever-present. Such dominance can lead to a political overreach. To avoid such a scenario, it’s imperative that European nations step up and contribute more equitably to their defense. This shift would not only alleviate the financial burden on the U.S. but also empower Europe to stand independently, fostering a partnership based on mutual respect rather than dependency.

The narrative of Europeans “shaking in their boots” at the prospect of a new administration holding them accountable might be less about fear and more about the realization that they need to shoulder more responsibility for their defense. By encouraging Europe to take a more active role in its security, we can foster a healthier, more balanced transatlantic relationship – one that seeks partners in peace, not a subsidizer of Europe’s welfare state.

This article was originally published by RealClearPolitics and made available via RealClearWire.