Donald Trump just did Europe a favor

BERLIN — It might not be strategic, but at least it’s autonomy.

In one fell swoop over the weekend, Donald Trump freed Europe from the confines of the American security bubble.

“I would not protect you, in fact I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want,” Trump claimed to have told a European leader about how he would respond if their country were attacked by Russia. “You gotta pay!”

Never mind that Trump was talking about what he would do if other NATO countries didn’t live up to the alliance’s spending target of 2 percent of economic output. By casting doubt over America’s commitment to NATO in such a direct and fundamental way, he effectively drove a stake through the alliance’s heart.

It almost doesn’t even matter if he wins reelection at this stage; Europe is on its own.

The only real question the election will resolve for Europe’s security is the timing of NATO’s collapse.

Of course, the Biden administration would dispute that, arguing that if their man wins reelection, NATO would be as safe as ever.

But for how long?

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