Press
Trump is threatening NATO countries with extreme measures. Increases pressure in private meetings. Diplomats from Europe are trying to reach him.
WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump wants to let Russia “do what they want” if NATO member states fail to meet the two percent target. The Republican candidate made the remarks at a rally in the US primaries after NATO's secretary general pointed to problems along US borders at NATO's 75th anniversary. Trump's plans, which would be tied to financial conditions for NATO alliance member states, prompted a flurry of diplomats against the Republican Party.
“We get a lot of calls from ambassadors, and we know what they're doing, they're asking us for information and trying to figure out what's going to happen when Trump comes back,” said a former Trump administration official who met with thirty people. The time the European diplomats met, according to CNN.
“Signaled demand went through the roof. People are going around the entire Republican Party space to talk to everyone to find out what's going on,” said James Carafano, vice president of the Heritage Foundation. In keeping with tradition, Stoltenberg delivered his anniversary speech at the think tank. Or NATO also plays an important role in the network with Trump.
Trump seems serious and insists on NATO's two percent goal: Diplomats beware
In discussions with diplomats, Trump has consistently said compliance with the two percent target is non-negotiable. Some of those present were given stern warnings for non-compliance with the target. “It's just campaign talk, it's not what he really means,” said one CNN European diplomats interviewed.
Victoria Coates, former deputy national security adviser to former President Trump and now vice president of the Heritage Foundation, chimed in. CNN: “If they're worried about how President Trump will treat them, it's within their power to do something about it.” According to them, people who see any other way than meeting the 2 percent target are lying. “He always talked about NATO's financial crisis,” a second Trump official said. “He will continue to take this seriously and we will tell them that.”
The NATO exit creates pressure for the two percent target — making Trump's charter change nearly impossible
After all, Trump could use the pressure of the US withdrawing from NATO to pressure other countries to meet the two percent target. The United States was second in NATO defense spending in 2023, after doubling Poland's domestic percentage target to four percent. The US is still far ahead in absolute figures, with a total expenditure of nearly US$900 billion. Overall, spending in 2023 is about $1.3 trillion, which means the United States has spent more than twice as much as all other countries combined.
However, a change to the NATO charter that would actually suspend the alliance for member states that do not pay enough is highly unlikely. The principle of consensus prevails in NATO because sovereignty rights were not relinquished upon joining. Few states would side with Trump on such an amendment, especially given the international outcry following Trump's comments.
European diplomats are struggling to forge a relationship with Trump — and battling anger and a lack of information
However, due to pressure from the United States, government representatives from Europe are already trying to maintain good relations. Reports from those present show that sometimes it is not that simple. One diplomat criticized Trump's angry and uninformed statements. The Republican was known for his Twitter politics, especially during his first term. Key political questions and conflicts are quickly answered or highlighted, and for all to see in under 140 characters – many emotions are fully capitalized. The 77-year-old has now switched to the mostly conservative site “Truth Social,” where the speeches are long but not emotional. At diplomatic meetings, guests often hear only what Trump has to say, not without serious opinions and emotions.
According to reports, particularly long-serving diplomats and representatives of states are often under-represented in meetings. It is easier for representatives of large countries or people who have been in office for a long time. Especially the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, whom Stoltenberg often calls a “Trump whisperer,” has a good chance of having a constructive relationship with Trump. agreed. Diplomatic efforts may stem from a lesson from the 2016 US election, where most people assumed Hillary Clinton would win and made little effort to engage with Trump. (Lisma)
. “Amateur alcohol specialist. Reader. Hardcore introvert. Freelance explorer.”