For decades, the United States has been footing the bill for the West’s security. While European nations enjoyed the protection of the Stars and Stripes, we — the American people — paid the price. And every time someone dared to ask for a fair share of the burden, they were labeled “anti-NATO,” “isolationist,” or worse, “dangerous.”

Then came Donald J. Trump.

Trump was the first president in decades to have the guts to speak the truth about what NATO had become: a lopsided alliance where the U.S. contributes far more than it should, while countries like Germany, Italy, and even the UK got away with spending barely over 1% of their GDP on defense. This, despite the 2014 agreement — signed by every member — committing to spend at least 2%.

Well, guess what? Now that Trump is back in the spotlight, a lot of those countries are finally starting to wake up.

According to recent reports, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom are on track to reach — and in some cases exceed — the long-promised 2%. That’s no coincidence. It’s the Trump effect: speaking truth, demanding respect, and putting America first.

No More Free Rides for Europe’s Defense

It’s about time our European “friends” realized the American security umbrella isn’t free. We have roads to fix, veterans to take care of, cities to protect. Why should we keep spending hundreds of billions to defend nations that aren’t even willing to defend themselves?

Under Trump, the U.S. isn’t abandoning NATO — we’re strengthening it. But strengthening it the right way: by ending military welfare and demanding real commitments. And it’s working. The numbers don’t lie.

Europe Fears Trump — and That’s a Good Thing

European leaders are now scrambling to increase defense spending. Not because they want to, but because they know that with Trump back, they can no longer count on unconditional, automatic protection. And you know what? That’s how respect works. You don’t earn it with sweet talk. You earn it with strength.

Donald Trump is rewriting the rules of an alliance that has long taken American generosity for granted. And if that means Europe finally stepping up and carrying its weight — then mission accomplished.

America First isn’t isolationism. It’s common sense. It’s respect for the American taxpayer. It’s the leadership the world needs — and that only Trump has the courage to deliver.