Former President Donald Trump's recent comments about NATO have caused a typical pro-Trump flare-up. No wonder.

NATO claims to be an effective collective security organization. I hope so. Rather, it is, and has been for many years, a grooming and grooming club for those who depend on America's national security umbrella. Trump was a voice for many Americans who are tired of this nonsense.

President Trump reflected on his conversations with anonymous foreign leaders. “If we don't pay and Russia attacks, will you protect us?” Trump was asked. (Related article: Morgan Murphy: Trump or Biden – who is better at “war” with?)

“I said, ‘Aren’t you paying? Are you a delinquent?…No, I won't protect you.In fact, I would encourage them [Russia] do whatever they want. ” In response to President Trump's comments, ruling classes on both continents are filled with equal parts anger and anxiety.

To consider a bid, NATO member states must agreed Defense spending is only 2% of GDP. Trump should demand at least 3%.

The first part of President Trump's statement was that if countries don't pay for their own defense and don't pay their dues to NATO, why does the United States send its own soldiers to fight and some of their I simply said, “Why should I die for this?” There's no reason.

then NATO President Jens Stoltenberg proudly announced This year, 18 out of 31 member states are expected to achieve the 2% target. This is less than half of the number of members. Stoltenberg should have been embarrassed rather than a source of pride.

In response to President Trump's remarks, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: suddenly raped Toward achieving this year's 2% target It didn't last many years. France soon followed suit. It's painful for the foreign policy establishment, but sometimes it takes a 2×4 to get the mule's attention. President Trump has plenty of wood.

America's security would be greatly enhanced by a properly funded, well-functioning, and well-armed NATO. The concept is sound and worked well decades ago with thousands of Soviet tanks in sight.

In simple numbers, NATO other than the US members are generally similar America, The former has a larger total population. The basis of military power is economic power and population. Joining a funded NATO would double America's effective military power.

Properly funded, European countries could deal with Russia's troubles in their own backyards, rather than relying on the U.S. military or the U.S. Treasury. And if Russia attacks a NATO member, the United States will use whatever force is necessary to convince Russia of its grave mistake. The United States will stand with Europe, but only if Europe does not take its seat.

A united and funded NATO would also be a formidable front for China. President Xi Jinping intends for China to achieve a dominant position globally. In contrast, if the United States had reliable partners in other NATO members, China would be less likely to rattle its sabers.

President Trump's comments defending a delinquent NATO member were fully justified, but inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to attack a neighboring country was highly inappropriate. Those who are caught up and angry about the current situation frankly hope that Trump, as he is well known, was simply getting carried away. In moments like this, he unfortunately sounds like a radio shock joke from a few years ago.

Whatever the explanation, President Trump was wrong to encourage President Putin, and his shocker undermined President Putin's important message to Europe, which President Biden needs to send with credence. There will never be, and Europe seems to have finally listened.

President Putin will eventually turn black as if to blackmail Russia. The threat from China will remain.

Will NATO be an effective partner in countering threats? Their defense spending answers that question, but if it's the wrong answer, President Trump will need more 2x4s. Maybe.

J.D. Foster is the former Chief Economist of the Office of Management and Budget and the former Chief Economist and Executive Vice Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He now lives relatively freely in the hills of Idaho.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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