A new low

Trump is forcing recalcitrant members of NATO to increase their own defence spending instead of relying on the US to pick up the tab. That will benefit NATO and make all NATO soldiers safer. Trump, as in so many other things, is absolutely right.

Historically the US has never wanted to be involved in European affairs as enshrined in the Monro Doctrine

You beat me to it Urmstongran all NATO members have to pay a proportion of their GDP into NATO coffers (I think it’s 2%)

France, Germany and some others do not meet their dues whereas Poland commits 4% of its GDP into NATO.

It’s far better to look at the whole picture than publicity seeking sound bites.

Biden sadly does not look or sound, fit for another Term in Office.
What a choice. But then look at our choices recently too..

I am rather disappointed that Kamala Harris hasn’t/isn’t seen to be taken seriously in the USA. She is not to my knowledge given much air time , and looking at Mr.Biden’s recent appearances I would be happier with her being more high profile, a steadier hand on the button.

She is much younger than the current POTUS and I thought she would be the USA’s first female leader.

I don’t think the US defence market will back him. Its worth is estimated at $618 billion dollars.

GrannyGravy13

You beat me to it Urmstongran all NATO members have to pay a proportion of their GDP into NATO coffers (I think it’s 2%)

France, Germany and some others do not meet their dues whereas Poland commits 4% of its GDP into NATO.

It’s far better to look at the whole picture than publicity seeking sound bites.

I’ve just checked the figures, I hadn’t realised how few European Countries are meeting their NATO financial obligations. That’s poor.

Yes, as a business man he has a good point about members paying their way. However the rhetoric about inviting Russia to invade was crass to say the least.

(Now I'm worried - I've agreed with both Trump and Michael Gove in the space of a couple of days; must be something in the water!)

if taylor swift comes out as a trump supporter then all is lost

Well, I would hate to be faced with the choice of Biden or Trump. Trump though is monstrous, unhinged and is most certainly not a good businessman, whatever he may tell you. I have said it before, but what we are witnessing is the equivalent of the decline of the Roman Empire. Those of you who think he has a point; what ones do you like? His cheating a charity, being unfaithful to his wives multiple times, lying? Strange things to admire. What 'did' him for me was when he sneeringly mocked a journalist with cerebral palsy who had interviewed him. Nice.

I am not even sure he understands what NATO is about, his lack of political and historical knowledge is clear, and although we are all entitled to be stupid, to hold unpopular political opinions, I prefer my political leaders to have some knowledge before they shoot their mouth off. This does sometimes feel like a minority opinion though

The bloke's a twonk. A dangerous one at that.

He also said he was responsible for Taylor Swift being as famous as he she is.

He's an intelligent business man who knows how to talk the talk. He plays on the fears and insecurities of the unhinged and uneducated. THAT'S what makes him so dangerous. He gets his puppets to do his dirty work for him and then denies any involvement.

lixy

Yes, as a business man he has a good point about members paying their way. However the rhetoric about inviting Russia to invade was crass to say the least.

(Now I'm worried - I've agreed with both Trump and Michael Gove in the space of a couple of days; must be something in the water!)

🤣 no I would say you are applying independent critical thought to the subject.
Which was asked for up thread.
Much better than name calling rhetoric. Well done.

We got talking a few years ago now to some young Americans in Jamaica. They really had no idea an out the world outside of the US.

The thought that we had a monarchy but was a democracy

With respect (not really) I disagree with those on here who believe that Trump is a good business man. He isn't.

If fraud, lying, cheating and failing to pay your taxes together with 5-6 of your businesses filing for bankruptcy make you a good businessman - then Trump is excellent.😄

Katie59

Trump is saying what his supporters want to hear, l did listen to actual speech and thought what he said was ambiguous, in the same way his speech before the attack on the Capitol was ambiguous, he should really think before he ad-libs like this.

It certainly rattled NATO which was the intention because even a little conflict like Ukraine cannot be handled without US assistance. The fact that many nations do not contribute enough to defence has long been an issue with both parties in the US

I agree.
I think it was meant as a frightener for countries who don’t pay nearly enough towards NATO.
It really is high time they paid up.

Bungle22

GrannyGravy13

You beat me to it Urmstongran all NATO members have to pay a proportion of their GDP into NATO coffers (I think it’s 2%)

France, Germany and some others do not meet their dues whereas Poland commits 4% of its GDP into NATO.

It’s far better to look at the whole picture than publicity seeking sound bites.

I’ve just checked the figures, I hadn’t realised how few European Countries are meeting their NATO financial obligations. That’s poor.

Yes, it’s poor.Trump being President again is scary but he’s right on this point.

Farzanah

Does he really mean it or does he just tries to be controversial, and play to his supporters I wonder?

Or playing up to the msm, because that is what is expected from him? Either way he's playing a dangerous game.

It’s hyperbole. Last time he tried to nudge the defaulters of the % of GDP that was due. Now? He’s just upped the rhetoric. Hopefully certain countries (Spain, Germany etc) are finally sitting up and taking notice. Dare they risk not paying up? Hmm.

He has a point although the way in which it was delivered could have been better, then again do we expect anything better from Trump? .

All members of NATO should be fulfilling their financial obligations if they expect to benefit from it.

But if they couldn’t be nudged into complying (Obama tried too remember) then stronger words needed to be issued.

Germanshepherdsmum

Unfortunately we can’t stop them unless we are entitled to vote in the US. He is unhinged and I hope he can be prevented from being re-elected.

100% GSM

HousePlantQueen

With respect (not really) I disagree with those on here who believe that Trump is a good business man. He isn't.

Well he’s certainly very good at conning people and made a heck of a lot of money along the way.

Maybe he’s actually got something right for a change and it would be great if countries like Germany sit up and take notice. They must pay their dues.

Nightsky2

HousePlantQueen

With respect (not really) I disagree with those on here who believe that Trump is a good business man. He isn't.

Well he’s certainly very good at conning people and made a heck of a lot of money along the way.

Maybe he’s actually got something right for a change and it would be great if countries like Germany sit up and take notice. They must pay their dues.

Maybe he’s actually got something right for a change and it would be great if countries like Germany sit up and take notice. They must pay their dues.

Countries certainly need to step up to the mark - but to suggest that he'd encourage Putin to "do what the hell he liked" to any country that didn't pay up is stupid and dangerous. I'm sure Putin will be delighted that the prospective most powerful man in the world would be on his side if he decided to start attacking Europe.

He should've stayed in the murky world of big business, he doesn't have the intellect, intelligence nor diplomacy for political leadership. He's a man-child - has tantrums if anyone tries to hold him to account; mocked a disabled journalist publicly, and jeered and sneered at the late John McCain who fought for his country and was captured as a POW.-he doesn't like people who get captured apparently... this from a man who has never served his country. He is totally unfit for the office of POTUS.

catladyuk

if taylor swift comes out as a trump supporter then all is lost

I can't understand why American Superbowl and Taylor Swift have to be on our national news all the time!!
Are most people here at all interested for it to be on UK national news?