Trump's Top Priority if Re-elected: "Fair Defense Cost Sharing"

"Alliance is exploiting us and defaulting"
Concerns over intensified pressure on alliance if presidential election is won

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump identified fair defense cost-sharing among allied countries as his top priority if re-elected.

On the 5th (local time), President Trump mentioned the issue of fair defense cost-sharing when asked about his top priority if he wins a second term during an interview with Fox News.

President Trump stated, "For years, I have been reclaiming trade from other countries that have taken advantage of us," adding, "Our allies have also been exploiting us for years," and claimed, "They are not paying their bills. They are delinquent."

He emphasized, "Everyone says they are great allies, but they need to pay their bills." He also criticized, saying, "Allies are using the U.S. in trade and military matters," and in some cases, they are not paying for the military.

President Trump cited the example of reducing U.S. troops stationed in Germany. He said, "They owe us billions of dollars and owe billions to NATO," adding, "They (Germany) are a wealthy country and need to pay their bills," and stressed, "Why should we defend other countries and not receive compensation?"

Since President Trump spoke about defense cost burdens as a problem not only with Germany but with allied countries overall, there is a growing possibility that pressure on defense cost-sharing from allies such as Germany, South Korea, and Japan will intensify if he succeeds in his re-election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.