In classic Donald Trump style, the 45th President of the United States noted at his Melbourne, Florida rally on Saturday that he indeed remains "a NATO fan." It is no doubt that President Trump mentioned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during his speech in Florida amidst the reoccurring criticism of his all-too-friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin and Russia. It remains to be seen whether or not President Trump truly intends to buck US orthodoxy in support of Russia over America's allies in NATO.
Mattis eases fears in Brussels
Secretary of Defense and retired Marine Corps General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, a man President Trump has called "the general's general," eased the fears of US allies within NATO during a recent visit to Brussels.
Secretary Mattis tugged the Trump line, warning (according to The Economist) that the United States may "moderate its commitment to the alliance" if NATO members fail to contribute more to defense spending.
In the past, President Trump has deemed NATO an "obsolete" alliance. Mr. Mattis, however, was much more diplomatic than Trump in Brussels, calling the organization the "fundamental bedrock for the United States and the trans-Atlantic community" and reassuring the United States commitment to the alliance.
Trump's stance on NATO-Russia
In the past, President Trump has surely taken what many deem an anti-NATO, pro-Russia stance. In April, Mr. Trump stated that "It's possible that we’re going to have to let NATO go...
When we’re paying, and nobody else is really paying, a couple of other countries are, but nobody else is really paying, you feel like the jerk.” The President added that "Maybe NATO will dissolve, and that’s OK, not the worst thing in the world.”
While this rhetoric has rightfully alarmed the 28 members of NATO, some have suspected that Trump's disregard of the trans-Atlantic defense pact stems from his "America first" talking point as well his tendency to want to renegotiate treaties as a businessman, and therefore will not translate into actual policy in the White House. Whatever the case, President Trump's plans for NATO over his four years in power will surely reshape the mold of US foreign policy.
