America is footing the bill for European defense while its own borders remain wide open—this madness has to stop.
At a Glance
- The U.S. continues to heavily subsidize European defense despite being the most geographically secure major power in the world
- Most European NATO members fail to meet even the minimal 2% GDP defense spending requirement, let alone the suggested 5%
- The EU is finally developing plans for defense autonomy with its “ReArm Europe” proposal, which notably excludes U.S. defense companies
- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stated America must “prioritize empowering Europe to own responsibility for its own security”
America’s One-Sided Defense Burden
While illegal immigrants flood across our southern border with barely a whimper from Washington, our government continues to pour billions into protecting wealthy European nations that refuse to defend themselves. The absurdity of this arrangement should infuriate every American taxpayer. Europe, with its combined population of over 440 million and an economy comparable to the United States, has the resources to handle its own security but chooses not to—because Uncle Sam has been all too willing to pick up the tab.
Even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists that “The United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been,” the reality on the ground tells a different story. The U.S. is bankrolling the defense of nations that frequently criticize American policies while simultaneously failing to meet even the modest NATO requirement of spending 2% of their GDP on defense. Meanwhile, American taxpayers foot the bill for a massive military presence abroad that does little to secure our own borders or address pressing domestic needs.
European Nations Finally Facing Reality
Recent developments suggest European leaders are finally waking up to the unsustainable nature of this arrangement. The EU has unveiled its “White Paper for European Defense” and “ReArm Europe” proposal, aiming to boost defense investment and create a new loan scheme for member states to build military capabilities. Remarkably, these initiatives specifically exclude U.S. defense companies from funding, signaling a long-overdue shift toward European autonomy in defense matters.
“If, in 10 years, all American troops stationed in Europe for national defense purposes have not been returned to the United States, then this whole project will have failed.”
That statement wasn’t made by Donald Trump or any current politician—it was from President Dwight Eisenhower decades ago. Yet here we are, still maintaining extensive troop deployments across Europe. Germany’s Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has finally acknowledged the need to “achieve independence from the United States, step by step.” It’s about time. European nations have the industrial capacity, technological know-how, and economic strength to build robust defense capabilities without American babysitting.
America’s Strategic Realignment
The uncomfortable truth is that most of America’s bloated defense budget isn’t spent on actually defending American soil—it’s used for offensive operations and protecting wealthy allies who could easily protect themselves. The United States enjoys the most secure geographic position of any great power, with friendly neighbors and vast oceanic buffers. Our current level of military spending makes absolutely no sense when viewed through the lens of genuine national security needs rather than maintaining a global empire that serves the interests of defense contractors.
“Stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent statements reflect a growing realization that America must redirect its focus and resources. His call to “prioritize empowering Europe to own responsibility for its own security” isn’t isolationism—it’s common sense. European nations maintained formidable militaries before American involvement and are fully capable of doing so again. Some European states are even discussing developing their own nuclear deterrents, which would fundamentally change the security dynamic on the continent.
Time to Put America First
For too long, American taxpayers have subsidized the social welfare states of Europe while our own infrastructure crumbles, borders remain unsecured, and domestic problems go unsolved. The perpetual warfare state enriches defense contractors while draining resources that could revitalize American communities. A wholesale reevaluation of our defense commitments isn’t just fiscally responsible—it’s essential for preserving American sovereignty and focusing on actual threats to our nation rather than playing world policeman.
Europe has enjoyed the luxury of minimal defense spending for decades while directing resources toward lavish social programs. Meanwhile, American taxpayers sacrifice to maintain a military that primarily serves others’ interests. This arrangement has created a dangerous dependency that undermines both American and European security in the long run. It’s time for a clean break—let Europe defend Europe while America focuses on America. Our citizens deserve nothing less.
