LeadStory

What is the meaning of Trump's statement to Europe: "Defend yourself or stand alone"?

Asked 13 hours ago

Answer

Trump's statement, "Defend yourself or stand alone," signals a shift in U.S. policy, urging Europe to take primary responsibility for its own defense and warning of reduced American involvement if Europe does not meet defense commitments. This approach marks a departure from traditional U.S. leadership in NATO and raises concerns among European leaders about the future of the transatlantic alliance.

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DW News

New U.S. national security strategy rattles Europe

DW News · Older
DW News
DW News
Older
  • U.S. strategy urges Europe to take primary responsibility for its own defense 40s
  • Document signals reduced U.S. focus on Europe and omits shared democratic values 1m 21s
  • Strategy supports 'patriotic parties,' raising concerns over U.S. election interference 1m 45s
  • No clear U.S. stance on Russia or NATO expansion; Kremlin welcomes the strategy 2m 19s
  • European officials stress independence but worry about U.S. disengagement 3m 11s

References

New U.S. national security strategy rattles Europe
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DW News
4 days ago
New U.S. national security strategy rattles Europe

A section titled Burden Sharing and Burden Shifting marks a sharp contrast to previous U.S. policies, stating Europe should take primary responsibility for its own defense.

New U.S. national security strategy rattles Europe
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DW News
4 days ago
New U.S. national security strategy rattles Europe

The strategy advises the U.S. to de-emphasize areas not critical to its security, now including Europe.

Antonio Costa says Europe cannot accept U.S. 'threat to interfere'
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France 24
4 days ago
Antonio Costa says Europe cannot accept U.S. 'threat to interfere'

The new US policy enshrines Washington's intent to pull back support for Europe and halt perpetual NATO expansion.

U.S. threatens NATO withdrawal if Europe doesn't take lead by 2027
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France 24
6 days ago
U.S. threatens NATO withdrawal if Europe doesn't take lead by 2027

The Pentagon told European diplomats they have until 2027 to assume most of NATO's defence capabilities, including intelligence, missiles, and troop deployments. If Europe fails to meet this deadline, the US may withdraw from some NATO defence coordination mechanisms.

U.S. threatens NATO withdrawal if Europe doesn't take lead by 2027
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France 24
6 days ago
U.S. threatens NATO withdrawal if Europe doesn't take lead by 2027

Trump in March questioned whether the US would defend countries that do not meet spending commitments, stating, "If you're not going to pay, we're not going to defend."

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