Because Trump is rightly tired of the U.S. paying for Ukraine’s defense, the world is turning on him. Ukrainian officials are criticizing America, Europe is calling Trump “Hitler,” and Ukrainian soldiers on Twitter are removing American flags from their uniforms—all because the American gravy train is about to dry up. With Trump demanding a better deal for the American people, the world will have to fend for itself. Europe is experiencing adolescent angst now, as it is forced to man-up, come of age, and move out from under the U.S. protective umbrella.
Fact: The U.S. WILL NO LONGER BE PAYING FOR IT!
It’s time for Europe to step up and defend itself. While it’s unfortunate that many Europeans may die unnecessarily, part of me anticipates the vindication of watching weak, woke European militaries—crippled by declining birthrates and a post-Christian, soy-boy-vegan culture—be decimated by Russian conscripts.
The consensus among many on Twitter and in liberal media that the U.S. has burned its bridges with Europe and that Europe will now move on without the U.S. as a trade and defense partner is absurd. The U.S. cannot be replaced as a market. With a population of 330 million and an average income exceeding $82,000 annually—more than double Europe’s average—there is no viable replacement. And if such a replacement exists, why wasn’t Europe trading with this mythical nation before?
For decades, the U.S., China, and Russia have invested heavily in defense, leaving Europe far behind. Europe would need to spend 10% of GDP each year to catch up over the next 20 years. However, in that same period, the U.S., Russia, and China would continue increasing their spending. Realistically, it would take about 30 years for Europe to reach any semblance of parity. And this assumes that Europe lifts its restrictions on nuclear weapons and other advanced weapons that the U.S., Russia, and China possess. And with Europe’s demographic decline, the pool of military-aged men and women will continue to shrink.
No, Europe isn’t “moving on” or “teaching the U.S. a lesson.” The U.S. is not obligated to defend Ukraine. Europe cannot defend it on its own. What’s most frustrating is that Trump offered Zelensky a deal, exchanging defense for minerals, which Zelensky rejected in favor of free money. Yet now, Twitter and liberal media portray the U.S. as the villain. Fine! Teach the U.S. a lesson. Stop taking our money, stop selling us goods, and stop using the U.S. dollar. Go ahead and adopt the Chinese yuan or the Ethiopian money unit and see how far that takes you.
Facts: Putin is bad. Russia invaded Ukraine. Zelensky was elected and has the right to defend his nation. However, the U.S. is not obligated to pay for it.
The U.S. will no longer fund Europe’s defense or tolerate major trade imbalances. Trump has expressed frustration at Europe and other allies profiting from advantageous trade with the U.S. while the U.S. shoulders their defense costs. U.S. tariffs on imports, even from allied countries, aim to reduce this trade imbalance and encourage American manufacturing independence—policies that the U.S. has the right to enact. Demanding that Europe step up and defend itself, or even defend Ukraine, is entirely within the U.S.’s rights.
There is no law requiring the U.S. to defend Ukraine or Europe. NATO’s terms do not specify that the U.S. must defend everyone, only that it, as a NATO member, participates in the defense of other NATO members if they are attacked. It does not state that the U.S. should bear the entire burden. Additionally, Ukraine is not a NATO member, and Europe unilaterally deciding to go to war with Russia would not qualify for U.S. defense participation under NATO.
Originally, Trump opened Ukraine peace dialogue with Russia, excluding both Ukraine and Europe from the discussions. However, he begrudgingly agreed to allow Europe a place at the table, but only as a junior partner or observer, reflecting his belief that the U.S., as the primary financier of Ukraine’s and Europe’s defense, should dominate the negotiations. This aligns with sentiments expressed in the Financial Times, which suggests that Europe is relegated to the “kids’ table” in these talks. Trump’s stance underscores his view that, as the principal financial backer, the U.S. should have the final say in shaping the outcome, while Europe remains on the sidelines.
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