Trump Mouthpiece Mike Pence Promises U.S. Support to NATO

While the U.S. President Donald Trump has been openly expressing his opposition to the functioning of NATO, Vice President Mike Pence is trying to ally fears among the NATO member states.

Pence – who lacks original thoughts and works mostly as Trump’s messenger – was at NATO Headquarters on Monday to express America’s commitment to the transatlantic bond. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg received Pence.

As Russia considers NATO member states as its enemies, Trump – who has unexplained affinity with Russia – has been criticizing NATO operations even with a threat to stop the U.S. funding to the organization.

[ Germany Urged to Build Alliance Against ‘Dangerous’ Donald Trump ]

Although Pence has assured NATO of American support, the NATO member states are not quite certain if Trump also shares Pence’s views.

Stoltenberg, however, acknowledged that the deployment of American troops to Europe is a key U.S. contribution to Europe’s security. The only time NATO has invoked its collective defence clause was in support of the United States after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

During their talks, Stoltenberg and Pence discussed the progress made in the fight against terrorism and agreed that NATO can do even more to combat terrorism.

[ For a Pathological Liar, Media Truth Is a Media Attack ]

Both agreed on the importance of higher defence spending and fairer burden-sharing in NATO, although Trump is not quite in favor of this mechanism.

Stoltenberg underlined that this has been his top priority since he took office and it is essential Allies continue to increase their efforts to spend 2 percent of GDP on defence.

“Europeans cannot ask the United States to commit to Europe’s defence if they are not willing to commit more themselves. And they are committing more,” he said.

Stoltenberg also said he looked forward to welcoming President Trump to Brussels in May for the NATO Summit.

Photo courtesy: NATO