As the US midterm elections approach, European allies are in turmoil.
According to a report by the American 'Politico News Network' on November 1st, NATO member countries are preparing for the worst-case scenario that could occur during the US midterm elections.
Five NATO diplomats revealed that European allies are concerned that if the Republican Party loses the election, U.S. President Trump may significantly intensify his pressure on NATO.
These diplomats are concerned that if Trump faces constraints from Congress regarding domestic policies, he might use his authority as military commander to devote more effort to diplomacy, where he has greater autonomy, in order to consolidate his political legacy. Three diplomats stated that this could mean that the United States would withdraw thousands of troops from Europe.
"Typically, a 'lame-footed president' would display two tendencies at the same time: venting dissatisfaction and taking adventurous actions in foreign policy." A senior European defense official stated.
He added that attacking NATO seems to have always been part of Trump's worldview.
The report indicates that the United States is expected to complete an assessment of military deployments in Europe and America by December. European allies are worried that Trump might take this opportunity to expand the scale of troop withdrawals, or even link continued military presence with peace agreements in Ukraine that receive US support.
NATO diplomats said that Trump could also reduce funding for NATO's common budget, limit the procurement mechanism for weapons on the 'Ukraine Priority List' supported by NATO, and further strengthen relations with Russia.
Additionally, if the Republican Party suffers a major defeat in the elections, it could lead to significant personnel changes at the Pentagon level, thereby affecting the various plans that are currently being formulated. Currently, U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel has caused dissatisfaction due to his refusal to regularly report budget and military operations to Congress. There are speculations that he might resign if the Republican Party suffers a crushing defeat in the midterm elections.
However, some allies believe there is no need for excessive worry. Montenegro's Defense Minister Krapovic pointed out that while there have been speculations that Trump might withdraw from NATO, such an event has not occurred so far.
White House Assistant Press Secretary Olivia Wilhess told the American POLITICO that Trump’s contributions to NATO “outshine those of anyone else”.
Wales emphasized: "President Trump will never sit by and watch the West continue to decline. He will continue to uncompromisingly defend America's interests both at home and abroad."
