By Pete Hegseth

"Europe’s Pathetic Defense Free-Riding Must End—America First Isn’t Just a Slogan, It’s a Necessity"

For decades, the United States has played the role of Europe’s protector—bankrolling NATO, stationing troops across the continent, and deterring aggressors like Russia while our so-called allies skimp on their own defenses. Enough is enough. Europe’s pathetic reliance on American largesse isn’t just embarrassing; it’s a dangerous liability. The Biden administration’s coddling of these freeloaders must end, and Donald Trump’s "America First" approach should be the blueprint.

1. Europe’s Hollow Promises

Since the Cold War, NATO members have pledged to spend 2% of GDP on defense—a bare-minimum commitment. Yet in 2024, only 11 of 32 nations (including Poland and the Baltics) meet that threshold. Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, still barely cracks 1.6%, while France lectures the U.S. on "strategic autonomy" as it free-rides on American intelligence and nuclear umbrellas.

This isn’t just about dollars; it’s about will. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Europe panicked. Suddenly, they remembered the value of hard power—but instead of digging into their own pockets, they turned to Washington. The U.S. has sent $75 billion+ to Kyiv; Europe’s contributions, while growing, remain disproportionate to their collective wealth.

2. The ‘Social Welfare’ vs. ‘National Defense’ Trade-Off

Europe’s leaders love boasting about their "progressive" societies—free healthcare, lavish pensions, and endless climate subsidies. But these perks are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers footing their defense bills. While Berlin funds early retirements, American troops guard the Fulda Gap. While Paris protests "austerity," U.S. carriers patrol the Mediterranean.

This isn’t sustainable. The U.S. national debt exceeds $34 trillion, and our military is stretched thin countering China, Iran, and global terror threats. Why should a single American soldier risk their life for nations that won’t invest in their own survival?

3. The Trump Doctrine: Accountability Works

Remember the outcry when President Trump demanded Europe pay its fair share? The media called him a "bully," but his tough love worked. NATO defense spending rose by $130 billion during his term. Allies knew the free ride was over.

But under Biden, the pressure eased—and complacency returned. Now, with Ukraine burning and Putin eyeing the Baltics, Europe’s weakness is a temptation for aggression. Trump’s return in 2025 would force a reckoning: No more blank checks. Either Europe arms itself, or it risks becoming a vassal of Moscow or Beijing.

4. The Stakes: A Weak Europe Emboldens America’s Enemies

China and Russia aren’t fooled by Europe’s moral preening. They see a continent addicted to U.S. protection, where leaders prioritize carbon neutrality over combat readiness. If NATO folds in a crisis, U.S. forces will face unthinkable choices: abandon allies or wage war alone.

And let’s be clear: Europe’s decline is self-inflicted. Open borders, energy dependence on Russia, and militaries that prioritize "gender quotas" over readiness have left them vulnerable. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy polices global trade routes, and American tech dominates NATO’s intelligence systems.

5. The Solution: Burden-Sharing or Bust

The path forward is simple:

Suspend NATO protections for nations below 2% GDP spending. No more hiding behind Article 5.

Demand European purchases of U.S. arms—no more subsidizing their defense industries.

Pull troops from Germany (still hosting 35,000 GIs) unless Berlin meets its obligations.

Some will call this "isolationism." Nonsense. It’s strategic realism. A strong Europe is in America’s interest—but not at the cost of our own security.

Conclusion: Time for Tough Love

Europe’s elites may whine, but history won’t forgive their cowardice. The U.S. didn’t win two World Wars and the Cold War to babysit nations that despise our values while demanding our protection. Either Europe grows up—or it will learn the hard way that tyrants respect strength, not speeches.

America First isn’t selfish; it’s survival.

Tone: Combative, Trump-aligned, nationalist

Key Themes:

NATO free-riding

Trump’s "burden-sharing" success

Europe’s welfare-state priorities over defense

China/Russia exploitation of weakness