Trump Could Abandon NATO. Could It Survive without America? 

Imagine if the mainstream media in the US could honestly report on risks and current events that are taking place within the US like this.

Regardless of what Trump said, every NATO should meet their obligation in terms of budget contribution.

Considering how much defense spending the US does, 2% is a fairly small ask

European people are mostly very snarky towards Americans, but as soon as you remind them of defense, they cry out for the USA to come save them. It's rather annoying and I wouldn't mind them getting the wake up call.

It’s worth mentioning that Article 5 has already been invoked once on September 12th 2001. All allies responded to the US call and our soldiers supported US war on terror for twenty years.

You mentioned South Korea as one of the leading arms manufacturers... Not really a surprise if you consider who their hostile neighbor is

Trump also said and did this as President. He also gave praise to Poland for doing its part and went after Germany for lacking

I mean, as an American, many of us can't afford homes, barely afford groceries. Homelessness is the worst it's ever been. Getting real tired of subsidizing other nations. I mean helping friends is great and it should be done, but not when your family is struggling. *Edit* I'm not saying we shouldn't abide by our obligations but there needs to be a give and take, not just give.

I think you're forgetting something vital, Simon - regardless of whether thr US is in NATO or not, she will absolutely be willing to make bank selling war equipment to it.

10:05 - all im saying is, if greece can hit the 2% that says a lot of other nato member who cant. Edit: 300 updoots hot damn. I wanna respond to comments but unfortunately I left my wrecking ball in my other pants and without it there is no getting through these brick walls. Oh well. Keep it civil down there guys!

It should be noted: The United States has something like 4,000 M1A2 (I believe) Abrams tanks just sitting around somewhere in North Dakota or some shit that have never been used. Because we keep building them even though we aren't using them. Even if the US didn't get militarily involved, I don't think the lack of tanks would be a problem for long.

It’s so crazy the way the mainstream talks about a NATO-Russia conflict like it’s the logical next step.

10:17 It is worth noting that aside from the US the countries hitting their target spend are the ones that are also the closest to the Russian border. Almost like those who are geographically closest too and with the most recent historical memory of Russian aggression and repression know the importance of being good members of the defensive alliance.

As a taxpayer in the US I do often find it tiresome how much tax money goes into defense spending and especially in foreign countries. I don’t feel the US can abandon them outright but it’s wrong for most of the western world to rely as heavily as it does on the US resources. I believe this reliance allows for more squandering by the government leaders both abroad and domestically and they get away with it by the old adage that the US is the defender of the free world when it’s really the taxpayer in America that’s paying the most. The irony hurts when I see articles and posts boasting about European countries being able to manage their infrastructure and industries so much better than the US but it’s not brought up how those countries are the ones not bringing 2% to NATO.

Wait, its Friday and this is not a Situation Room? Wow, the world must finally be at peace, right? Right?! ...

The US would not sit back and let Russia attack NATO, but seriously asking 2% is not much. Playing hard ball with some of these politicians is the only way to get them to pay their 2%.

European here (specifically British)! I’m looking at a lot of comments here from Americans who are rightfully upset about other NATO members not reaching the recommended/required 2%. And I completely agree with you, especially for us Europeans with the war in Ukraine going on right now. It's outright shameful even. But please and I urge you, don’t compromise our Atlantic relationship or go full on isolationist mode. Though you will have the choice as voters late 2024 on who will be your next president. Think about what place the US should have in the world. I ultimately think the US is a force of good in the world, despite the mocking from other Europeans and my own countrymen. US pulling away from world affairs would mean darkness and allow more sinister adversaries to get more emboldened.

As an American I feel as though everyone in NATO should carry their weight as they agreed when accepted into NATO. Period.

"Can only field the exceedingly goofy Admiral Kuznetsov carrier. Of which we trust is somehow managing to sink even though it's in dry dock".🤣🤣🤣

Good. The US shouldn't subsidize your defense.

I don't think it would be wise for the USA to leave NATO but as a US tax payer, it is pretty annoying to pay for Europe's security while listening to them laugh at us for not having all the government benefits they do. Time for Europe to take responsibility for itself with the US's help where needed.

Rest in peace Navalny. A true hero

As an American, I’m am all in on helping our European friends if they need help. However, it seems as if they think some believe that America should be the muscle in Europe. Europe, should be the muscle in Europe! Get your shit together!

That 2% minimum defense spending is every bit as required as Article 5. You don’t hold up your end of the deal, you’re in breach of contract. Pay or pound sand.

As soon as I heard that comment from Trump I kinda chuckled to myself and said "Yeah, that sounds like a New York landlord alright..."

After ALL THAT, 2% sounds kinda cheap doesn't it?

We, in Europe should in my Opinion, focus on our own ability to produce our own miltiary gear too. Espacially fighters since the US isnt going to be a reliable supplier, depending on whats happening in the future. Therefore espacially projects like the british italian japanese fcas or the franco german fcas should be a focus in the future too. All in all focusing on more autark production and less dependence on US next gen jets espacially.

The capitol building shown is the one for Washington state, not DC

Isn't these 2% supposed to be spent on their own defense capabilities ?

"the exceedingly goofy Admiral Kuznetsov" 😅😆😂🤣😭💀

10:24 Denmark raised its spending above 2%, confirmed by NATO 2 days ago.

Reading between the lines, the "big country" Trump was talking about was Canada🇨🇦.

Thanks for reminding me I haven’t taken my anxiety pill this morning.

I wish someone would have warned NATO (sarcasm intended)of the importance of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense so we all would be ready in case something bad happens. If they had started building up 7-8 years ago we wouldn't be having this conversation.

You mentioned the black sea fleet... The black sea fleet is currently getting MAULED by a nation that HAS NO NAVY. Just in case you were wondering about the quality of Russian sea power.

The European NATO (ENATO) members can easily stop the Russian army. There are only two actual questions. The first is where ENATO would stop Russia. During the Cold War, NATO hoped to stop the Warsaw Pact somewhere slightly east of Bonn, and that only at the expense of using thousands of tactical nuclear weapons to stall and reduce Soviet forces. There's no chance Russia would make it to east Germany this time. It would never get past Poland. But that brings us to the second question, which is how long it would take ENATO to reconquer the territory lost, and at what cost. A related question is whether ENATO would be willing to use tactical nukes, the way NATO was going to do in a Cold War scenario, or even when trying to reconquer the lost territory.

I don’t think Trump would deny help, but I do think his remarks will cause Europe to strengthen themselves making NATO even stronger. It’s tough love I guess.

As an American citizen... I am ok with not paying for everyone else's defense, ESPECIALLY when the countries we are paying for have better qualities of life than we do. I don't get free health care, I don't get affordable housing, I get almost no time off work, I don't have functional and affordable public transportation, I have to own a car and have insurance on top of insurance just to survive here and on top of all that I have to pay large taxes to both the federal government and my state government... I'm not a Trump supporter, I have no intention of voting for him, but in this case, he is right. NATO members MUST begin paying their fair share if they want the help of America.

I COULDNT STOP STARING AT THE BEARD!. THAT ONE ERRANT STRAND WAS captivating

It's kind of crazy that Trump saying that he'll pull out of NATO is the kick in the ass these countries need to make their contribution minimum. Not the fact the Russia is attacking a country in the East. I don't think the US should pull out of NATO, however it's kind of sad that these countries are slacking on their contributions when the threat is closer to them.

Why are they not paying for their own defence if they want to be a part of a defensive pact?

It's a defensive pact, you need to protect each other. If a country's military can't pitch in because they didn't prepare along NATO's guidelines it's a big problem.

This can all be easily avoided if the members pay their share.

Norway is the only one that surprises me a bit, at least now that Germany has woken up. That may be a very inhospitable land border with Russia, but they still have enormous amounts of exposed coast and lots of valuable offshore resources. That would be an unsurprising spot for Russia to take a little test poke at NATO just to see what happens. The Russian navy has hardly distinguished itself with its past performance, but how many NATO members are well-prepared to fight in the Arctic Ocean, especially if the Americans don't show up? All the weight would be on Britain's shoulders I think. That would also be a way to test Sweden's appetite for immediately being dragged into a foreign conflict, as they'd certainly be called upon for air support.

I remember when we were chastized for being the "world police."

Great episode, the artillery shell situation in nato is unacceptable and scary

Imagine countries getting mad that they weren't upholding their obligations and someone calls them out on it 😂

As someone from a postcommunist country that doesn't hit the 2% threshold, I must say I'm actually happy Trump sent our officials into panic mode. Europe needs to be able to defend itself, relying on an increasingly isolationist nation thousands of miles away doesn't seem like a good national defence strategy to me.

It's not "all for one and one for all" as there are far too many NATO members slacking because they know America is required to defend them. If Trump saying what he said causes other NATO members to step up, good

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy these videos. It’s nice to hear someone just stating facts, and steering clear of political opinions. The world needs more content like this. Just tell us what’s going on and we can formulate our own opinions.

The other NATO countries did pay their full shares after Trump told them to pay up.

Is it such a terrible request that everyone pays their part?

This clearly shows what happens when a country gets to comfortable relying on others for there defense

Does anyone else think that Trump's comment was strong encouragement to NATO countries to step up. Judging from all of the pearl clutching, it worked. The message wasn't for Russia, but for NATO.

He literally never said he would abandon nato he just wants everyone to pay their fair share for mutual defence instead of exploiting other countries.

Spending the money more efficiently is probably as important as just upping the amount spent.

22:22 Simon never misses a opportunity to throw shade at the Admiral Kuznetsov! 😝 Cracks me up errytime!

It’s an alliance you should do your share of the burden.

Its baffling to me that people find it shocking for the US to opt out of defending NATO members when they arent even doing the bare minimum of paying 2% GDP for the defense pact. Trump isn't being unreasonable here, hes asking for the bare minimum from Europe in return for defense from the most powerul military in the world, if anything its the Europeans here who are being unreasonable.

It's sort of ironic that the only time NATO invoked article 5 was after 9/11, prompting numerous European states to send troops to Afghanistan. The US, definitely the GOP sure have a short memory.

In fsirness we should be meeting our payment requirments, it shouldn't be on thoese in America to protect everyone. Whilst bad for us here, it's more then understandable that America would want to keep the money they are having to spend on everyone who refuses to pay for themselves. We need to do better. Trump is right, and he is doing what he often does, saying crazy shite to get people talking and the issue fixed, and clearly, it's working.

It will last about as long as the League of Nations did without America and be about as effective

Why should US taxpayers continue to foot the bill?

As an American I am tired of the American military complex and its need to supply and provide for what seems like every war around the world or military actions. We need to provide for the citizens of our own country with reasonable housing,healthcare and education. My corporate government is sucking the life out of the lower and middle class through complete taxation beyond our reach. Whether it's tax on food, products, gas or personal amenities it has become overwhelming to provide for the corporate beast. We have some of the worst public education, most expensive healthcare and affordable housing is now a tent underneath a bridge. It's time to stop funding the death of the rest of the world and look at the death in our own Nation caused by GREED!!

Bachmut fell, UA counter offensive failed, Navalny gone, and now Avdika falls. Europe better wake up from its stupor and strengthen up its defenses.

We (europ) Will now take our own security more serious And it was necessary Thank you trump ❤

America leaving NATO reads a lot like the UK leaving the EU to me; a baffling and stupid idea.

Its insane how long Russia has played the "Quantity is a quality on its own"

Maybe nato should pull their own weight then, stop shoving it off to the USA 🇺🇸

Smashing it as always!

"Step to NATO, and you BEST be ready to deal with the whole crew..." Simon letting his inner-Brixton show.

Article 5 may be absolute, but so is the requirement for 2% spending. When you break a contract the other side is no longer required to uphold their end. If you don't pay your insurance premiums, they don't have to pay the claims. Just pay the 2% and make this all a non issue.

It is about time Europe and UK took defense seriously again.

Leaving NATO is quite popular in the UK too.

Whether or not feasible or true, Trump’s statement is a very good point. It’s also consistent with his concern that on a global level America is expected to give and contribute more than any other nation. Whether it’s defense or ecological concerns. Again, fair points that do need addressing.

20 out of the 31 countries don't make the 2% requirement. It's a percentage, not a certain amount of money. Poland at 3.9%, US at 3.49%, and Greece at 3.01% are the highest. Luxembourg, spain, and Belgium seem to be consistent in the lowest percentages, where 1% is rarely seen. Trumpy plays hardball. He knows what it takes and gets straight to it

As an American... I fully support it. I'm not Europe's attack dog. It's insulting, degrading, and dehumanizing. Europe doesn't pay their fair share. Plain and simple.

One major thing that was missed, that South Korea wouldn't be the only country the EU would buy weapons from. The EU has a long history of accommodating America's geopolitical relationships with other countries, while at the same time keeping cordial relationships with some of the countries the U.S. isn't particularly fond of. Russia having been a prime example until it's invasion into Ukraine. Another country being China. If the U.S. is out of the picture and it is necessary, the EU would have absolutely no qualms about purchasing arms and military equipment from China.

I agree with trump only in so far as NATO countries need to pay 2% GDP and provide security not consume security. I’m in Canada one of the biggest NATO deadbeats of all, our government refuses to pay for defence, we are at 1.3% GDP and cutting more

European NATO members couldn't even sustain an air-war against Libya for a few weeks before they had to go running to the US begging for logistical and intel support. Poland and the UK could definitely put up a good fight. Finland definitely punches above its weight when its on the defensive. But everyone else is in cooked without American assistance.

The fact is the US have too much interest in Europe and Trump knows that. So I don't think that he's seriously thinking about leaving Nato. But if he really wants to and do it. Then the EU will be able to finally take care of their own turf without the supervision of uncle sam.

I think foreigners underestimate how unpopular NATO is in some circles of the u.s. I support NATO, but many Americans have seen Europeans for decades take advantage of Americas military strength and refuse to pay the minimum requirements. This, in it's historical context, comes from a continent that needed American involvement when it started the two deadliest conflicts in history. It always feels like America is being forced to defend and support Europe, while Europeans take full advantage. NATO scepticism in the u.s. is Europe's fault. While America tried to figure out how to protect the continent from Russia, Germany was getting Rich buying cheap Russian oil. This will probably take decades to fix the perception of NATO in America. It's not just the right, but the left and many moderates are anti NATO.

This dude is literally the definition of what news should be.

Being realistic Nato mainly exists to protect eastern Europe, central and western Europe have a vested interest in not getting a new neighbour, and then far western Europe is pretty much there for the 'diplomatic benefit' of being in the alliance. Far more so the case for France and the UK who have nuclear weapons so dont get that benefit of protection from membership. The UK has consistently been a massive contributor to NATO, yet we clearly arent protected by it in anyway and we gain near no 'diplomatic benefit' from it at least to an extent thats worth anything. We've just spent the last decade trying to leave the EU and the response from our Allies, too many of whom have happily sat back while countries in little to no danger of Russia or the Soveits before them pay for their defence, has been constant passive aggression and multiple attempts to undermine the UK as a country. Lets not even get into the mess that is the RoI pretty much existing entirly becuase the UK has to protect them due to the geography of it all the while RoI along with anyone else wanting to take a pop at the UK is egar to see the UK collapse. Such great friends the UK has in Europe and the US.... Really does make you wonder why we're in it at all at this point. When most of NATO's biggest contributors are effectively just in the alliance out of charity without any sort of diplomatic clout to show for it is it any surprise some of them begin to get less charitable? The real mystery is why every other long term net contributor, and in the case of the UK nuclear power on top of that, hasnt been likewise getting as impatient. France gets all the goodwill the UK doesnt get for being a net contributor, but maybe thats just cus they havent really done anything to test how much people actually appreciate the protection. The US is so large a power that they get plently of frankly well deserved stick, but their able to pretty much bully people into doing things becuase of it. Every country becuase of the US's 'market share' on defence has seemingly forggotten that war exists and that the first purpose of any country is to defend its people.

It’s crazy how a simple threat of us leaving nato made everyone realize we are the only real power in nato. It’s what happens when you slack off for 60+ years

Just one thing. She asked ''If we didn't pay''. Meaning 0. He answered the question based on that. As far as i know there isn't a single NATO member who pays nothing. Big distinction. You even had the quote written on the screen.

If a responsible nation wants to be a part of the alliance they would hold their own end of the bargain, why is the US single handedly paying the bill for European countries that clearly don’t even respect the alliance enough to pay their share? Sending our boys across the ocean to die for a country that never held their end is crazy to me.

It’s funny how everyone complains about America being the world police but when someone says we don’t want to do it anymore everyone pipes up with “you can’t do that” and “trumps an idiot” Personally I think the u.s. SHOULD leave nato and grant assistance on a case by case basis.

Usa has a patience of a chimp when it comes to wars.. man Europe needs to find more reliable partners not only military partners but trading as well...

The US has too many problems at home to continue to hold to ideals on the international stage. We must act pragmatically and ask if our allies don't hold up their obligations why should we?

Released 10 seconds ago, wow that's hell of a timing, opening this app :D

If anything it would force the European nations to come together and make them stronger.

The core issue of NATO is that it is an alliance of inequal partners, leading to most nations ending up feeling (rightfully) like vassal states geopolitically. Considering its immense size and power, no one can blame the US to be the leader of NATO. This leads to NATO being an antenna of US political strength. One recent example is the Paris attack in 2015; when a 100 died and 500 were injured, the then US president called the french one warning him that a call upon article 5 would not be answered; obviously it was not in the mind of the french president anyway, but this wasn't the call of the US president in theory, just cementing that at the end NATO is a US toy. Add to that for decades the insistence of the US to sabotaging the local defence industries in europe, while pushing europeans to spend their military funds on US equipment, and you end up with reluctant nations, which cannot live outside NATO, but also which don't feel the incentive to do much effort, letting the burden of having a strong military on their overlord. The obvious exception is nations with a direct existential threat, like bordering Russia.

I live in the Netherlands and I agree with Trump. We should pay. We enjoyed peace, we should also work for it.

in trump's defense he said that about countries who dont pay the required 2% gdp. as far as i know everyone that shares a border with russia satisfies that requirement

eu need to integrate its militaries and defence industries. It would also be economically beneficial for Europe because that integrated military would invest those resources in new tech and industry

You know what I’m perfectly fine with this from trump, NATO has a obligation to to meet their budget if that don’t then there should be consequences.

It’s really just as simple as investing the 2 percent or more.

If you don't pay your insurance premiums do you still expect to be able to make claims? Well, same applies to your NATO invasion insurance.

Really sick of hyperbolic headlines blowing out of proportion what he said. His gripe has always been about other countries' not meeting their 2% GDP requirement, which is a legitimate criticism.