Allied leaders stopped trying to find hidden logic behind Trump's actions.
They understand any contribution they make will count for nothing. Few days later, Trump will not even remember it happened — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic. 1/
For 14 months American president tariffed allies, mocked their security concerns, repeatedly insulted them.
In Jan 2020: Trump told European officials "if Europe is under attack, we will never come to help you." In Feb 2025: told Zelenskyy he had no right to expect support. 2/
Trump called British "our once-great ally" after they refused to participate in initial assault on Iran.
When they discussed sending aircraft carriers to Persian Gulf, he ridiculed on social media: "We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!" 3/
Before second inauguration, Trump began hinting he wouldn't rule out using force to annex Greenland.
By Jan 2026, his comments persuaded Danes to prepare for invasion. Danish had to think about whether their military would shoot down American planes, kill American soldiers. 4/
Trump stopped sending aid to Ukraine, giving Putin renewed hope of victory.
Witkoff began negotiating business deals between US and Russia, although war has not ended and Russians never agreed to cease-fire. Witkoff presents himself as neutral figure between NATO and Russia. 5/
Trump continues to lash out at Zelenskyy and lie about American support for Ukraine, which he repeatedly describes as worth $300 billion or more.
Real number closer to $50 billion over three years. At current rates, Trump will spend that much in three months in Middle East. 6/
In result Canadian PM Carney declared Canada will not participate in "offensive operations of Israel and US, and it never will."
German Defense Minister Pistorius: "This is not our war, and we didn't start it."
Spanish PM refused to let US use bases for beginning of war. 7/
Applebaum: "This isn't cowardice. It's calculation: If allied leaders thought their sacrifice might count for something, they might choose differently. Most stopped trying to find logic behind Trump's actions, and understand any contribution they make will count for nothing." 8X
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