Doesn’t everyone at some level get that the reason for Trump’s announced decision to pull US forces from Germany is because Merkel doesn’t kiss his ass. The stated reason, that Germany should spend more on defense, is analogous to Trump saying quid pro quo with Ukraine 1/
was about investigating corruption. It is using a real US policy goal as cover for Trump’s real reason: payback.
Proximate reason was perhaps that Merkel was first to decline his invitation for in person maskless G7 summit, spoiling Trump’s hopes to play insta-statesman for the cameras for his reelection campaign
NPR’s Tom Bowman reporting this morning total bafflement at the Pentagon on the decision and referrals to the White House. Sounds like they were barely consulted if at all.
Trump’s ex envoy to germany now full time Trump WH political hack perhaps encouraging maximum payback on the country that did not put up with his trolling.
Trump allies Tom Cotton and Mike Pompeo love to be associated with chest thumping faux toughness. But be sure they own any US military withdrawal from Germany. This is their guy.
