Republican U.S. Senator J.D. Vance has assured NATO allies that they could count on US support in the event of an attack, even under US President Donald Trump. “Of course we love our NATO allies,” Trump supporter Vance told journalists on Sunday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. “We value the NATO alliance, and that applies across the entire political spectrum.” But Europe must become more independent in security issues, that is Trump’s message.
The Republican particularly called on Germany to invest more in its armed forces. “If Germany has the fifth largest GDP (gross domestic product) in the world and Russia is not even among the ten largest countries, shouldn’t Germany be able to ensure effective deterrence on its own?” he asked, adding: “That is “It’s not an argument that we should abandon Germany. This is an incentive for our German friends to take on a slightly larger role, because the United States will have other things to focus on in the next half century.”
Vance is one of the Republican members of Congress who are particularly close to former President Trump. A week ago, Trump questioned support for NATO allies who do not invest enough in defense. In doing so, he fueled the debate about how Germany and Europe can better protect themselves from attacks – up to and including their own European nuclear protective shield.
More than 30 members of the US Parliament were guests
The more than 30 members of the US Parliament who are taking part in the Munich Security Conference are among the most sought-after discussion partners this year. That’s because additional military aid worth around $60 billion (around €56 million) is stuck in Congress due to opposition from some Republicans like Vance. The Senate has now agreed, but the vote of the House of Representatives – the second chamber of parliament – is still pending.
Vance estimated the chances of approval were 50-50 percent. He rejected the accusation that Republicans were blocking the package for electoral reasons. “Republicans are not blocking the Ukraine package because of Trump’s campaign. Republicans are skeptical of the Ukraine package because they believe it is not in the best interests of our country.” Trump wants to run again for the office of US President on November 5th.
