5/28/2017
In a sad dose of reality, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated Europe “really must take our fate into our own hands”, “This is what I have experienced in the last few days”. This coming after recent meetings involving President Trump during his trip to Europe.
Trump’s statements over several days made it clear to just about everybody that America’s long standing support for NATO and a free Europe might be coming to an end under his administration. Trump refused to support NATO’s Article 5 which promotes unity in defense of all members. Because of this and Trump’s other statements, Merkel had no choice but to come to the conclusion that it would be in Europe’s best interest to look after themselves.
Trump’s failure to win over America’s long standing allies was a disappointment for many in Europe, and the United States. Even some of the most Conservative Republicans were not impressed, with Bill Kristol tweeting:
Merkel's comments today are a reminder that Trump's failures are, while he's president, also America's failure, and damage America.
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) May 28, 2017
Only time will tell if Europe is indeed alone in it’s common defense against Russian aggression and other threats. This may result in serious consequences for the United States, which one day in the future may call on other nations to join in a common fight. Sending a signal that we are no longer interested in defending their freedom, it will be a tough sell to convince them to fight for ours.
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