Trump Says What Everyone’s Thinking About NATO Freeloaders

President Donald Trump is once again saying what a lot of Americans have been thinking for a long time. If our so called allies refuse to step up when it actually matters, why are we bending over backwards to protect them?

This latest fight over NATO and the Strait of Hormuz says everything. Europe is dragging its feet on sending ships to deal with Iranian threats, while the United States is expected to carry the burden. Again. These are wealthy, capable countries that rely heavily on that region for energy and trade, yet somehow it always comes back to us to do the heavy lifting.

And here is the part that drives me crazy. I am not even someone who wants more involvement in Iran. Quite the opposite. Our interests there are limited at best and, frankly, far more aligned with protecting our allies than protecting ourselves. So why are we the ones expected to take the lead while they sit back and watch?

At some point, this stops being an alliance and starts looking like a one way arrangement. They call us partners when they need protection, funding, or leadership. But when it is time to contribute? Silence.

I try not to have friendships like that in my own life. America should probably start doing the same.