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Trump Seeks Huge Premium From Allies Hosting U.S. Troops

  • ‘Cost Plus 50’ plan could worsen tensions with key allies
  • Frustration over spending by NATO countries behind proposal
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Photographer: Vano Shlamov/AFP via Getty Images

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For years, President Donald Trump has complained that countries hosting American troops aren’t paying enough. Now he wants to get even, and then some.

Under White House direction, the administration is drawing up demands that Germany, Japan and eventually any other country hosting U.S. troops pay the full price of American soldiers deployed on their soil -- plus 50 percent or more for the privilege of hosting them, according to a dozen administration officials and people briefed on the matter.