President Donald Trump had warned news outlets that he would have harsh words for NATO allies in his primetime address to the nation last night. But his 19-minute speech was mum about the alliance that will celebrate it’s 77th anniversary on Saturday.
But don’t take this absence as an indicator that all is well in the Alliance, I told CNN News Central earlier today. The rift between the Trump Administration and our NATO allies is deep, with both sides taking actions to indicate the ties are fraying.
Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general and all-around Trump Whisperer, is headed to Washington next week. My advice to him: Tell Trump the European allies are determined to pick up much more responsibility for the defense of Europe. They are increasing spending, buying more capabilities, and fielding the forces necessary to reduce the burdens on the United States.
Watch the entire interview.
