U.S. Should Stop Funding NATO Majority and Push Europe to Pay Its Own Defense

The article reviews NATO’s creation in 1949 as a bulwark against Soviet aggression and observes that, after the USSR’s collapse, the alliance persists mainly to deter Russia. It points out that NATO members must spend at least 2 % of GDP on defense, with a new 5 % target by 2035, yet historically only a few met the 2 % goal, the United States leading with 3.6 % in 2016 and covering over 72 % of total NATO expenditures that year.

Projections for 2026 show all 32 members meeting the 2 % threshold, but U.S. contributions would still account for about 57 % of the alliance’s $1.81 trillion budget. The author argues European nations have relied on the U.S. nuclear umbrella while directing resources toward social programs and have sometimes acted against U.S. interests, such as Spain closing its airspace and Italy denying base access during the U.S. clash with Iran.

Given Russia’s reduced position and Europe’s growing dependence, the piece calls for a realignment of NATO or a new arrangement that shifts defense costs to European members, allowing the United States to redirect funds amid rising debt.