Part 2/8:
Donald Trump has long derided NATO's European member states as "free riders," accusing them of failing to meet their financial obligations for defense spending. This sentiment echoed through his administration, culminating in his Defense Secretary Pete Huth's stark warning that the U.S. presence in Europe might not be permanent. With the Trump administration suggesting that European allies must bolster their military contributions or risk losing American support, the dialogue surrounding NATO has shifted dramatically.