, Columnist
Guns Can Get Europe Growing Again
Think of defense spending as a stimulus program in disguise.
NATO members aren't spending enough on defense.
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Visiting Europe in recent days, top U.S. officials have sought to walk back some of President Donald Trump’s more controversial statements. Vice President Mike Pence, and before him Defense Secretary James Mattis, both strongly reaffirmed America’s commitment to the transatlantic alliance. But they also had a reminder for their NATO counterparts: U.S. support depends on European nations fulfilling their own pledges, in particular their promise to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense, much faster. "If your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals needs to show support for our common defense,” Mattis warned.