Trump wants Europe to do its part and they thinks that is divisive?

NY Times:

Europeans Believe Trump’s Agenda Is to Divide and Conquer


American allies see a strategy to undercut European solidarity so that the United States can exercise its power with individual countries.
Trump had two issues at the NATO meeting.  He insisted that the Europeans live up to their commitment to spend two percent of GDP on defense.  That is an entirely reasonable position since they already agree to do so and have not honored their commitment. 

His other issue was with Germany's agreement to get some 70 percent of its energy from Russia while asking the US to defend it from Russia.  In other words, the Germans are funding Russian operations that could be used to attack it and Europe.  It really is an indefensible deal that troubles other members of NATO too. 

While Trump may not have the manners of a diplomat, he was not wrong on either issue and neither should have been considered divisive.

I get the impression the media is ignoring the point of the exchange and is focused on the atmospherics.  Trump has a blunt style that can be off putting but the Brits have shown that if you focus on the substance you can reach an agreement.  It is too bad the media does not do the same.

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