This Power Line article has a more neutral/balanced perspective on discussions among European NATO members,
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2026/07/can-this-alliance-be-saved.php .
Yes, Euros hate Trump, but their “reasons” are problems of their own, decades-long, making. EuroLand rebuilt after WW2 at least partly with US $$$, under the umbrella of the US military (assisted some by the UK’s not yet gutted military). Various countries rebuilt their militaries, but the muscle against Soviet attack and much of the logistics were still largely the US military. Their capabilities were still significant, just not capable, taken together and without substantial US support, of stopping a Soviet invasion.
Some time in the 70s, EuroLander governments got lazy, letting their militaries decay to fund (being blunt) social programs. Among other effects, those social programs long-term weakened many citizen’s resolve to defend themselves (they grew to hate Uncle Sam, but relied on him being there). Then the USSR imploded, and the need for military strength seemed further lessened (and more money could go into social programs!).
EuroLanders’ gooberments know how much they own the current problematic situation, AND that their nations’ cultures will have to change if they want some meaningful self-defense capability. They should be (and might be) very thankful to Ukraine for hollowing out and gutting much of Russia’s military might. Putin dreams of restoring the Soviet empire, but much of his might has been reduced to scrap steel and aluminum and graves in cemeteries (even Putin might understand that tanks and planes are built much faster than the raising and training of a new generation to man that equipment).
