Perception for his base back home…
But action by the American military, to counter a Russian that had thought, maybe, an American President would be able to help them destabilize a united Russia….
The US military professionals seem to be taking little disses from the boss….
But quietly keeping the basic American policy intact and continuing…..
Yet while Trump has beat up on NATO with rhetoric, the administration also has beefed up U.S. military power at Russia’s doorstep. Wolters has presided over a buildup of air forces in Eastern Europe, part of a rise in U.S. arms, exercises, and forces deployed to the region in response to Russia’s belligerence of the past half-decade. That buildup is likely to continue. Scaparrotti, the current NATO commander, recently said that the United States needs more land, air and sea power in the region. “I’m not comfortable yet with the deterrent posture that we have in Europe,” Scaparrotti told lawmakers. Just this week, Trump administration officials visited Poland to offer funds toward the creation of a permanent U.S. troop presence — perhaps even a permanent base dubbed “Fort Trump.”
On April 3 and 4, NATO officials and 29 foreign ministers are scheduled to mark the alliance’s 70th anniversary with a half-day meeting, reception, and special events in Washington, D.C.Watchers are on edge about whether the Trump administration and military officials will continue the good cop-bad cop routine.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recognized the strain in his annual report on the alliance. “So we face a paradox: At a time when some are questioning the strength of the transatlantic bond, we are actually doing more together – in more ways and in more places – than ever before,” Stoltenberg said Thursday. “Because we live in an unpredictable world, NATO’s unity is more important than ever. As we mark the 70th anniversary of this Alliance this year, we must continue to stand strong and stand together.”
Stoltenberg said in a subsequent press conference the White House’s “cost-plus-50” idea had not reached Brussels. “There’s been no such proposals discussed in NATO, so this is only reports in the media.” He also said had accepted an invitation to give an address to a joint session of Congress….
image….afcea.org