President Trump declares he “will never hesitate” to use force to defend America and its allies while addressing troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during his multi-day Gulf region tour.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to using American power when necessary to defend the US and its partners while emphasizing his priority to end conflicts rather than start them.
- European security experts warn that a US withdrawal from Europe could destabilize the EU as severely as a Russian nuclear attack, with concerns rising about potential negotiations with Russia that exclude Ukraine and European allies.
- Two potential scenarios have emerged: “Tit for Tat,” where America uses abandonment threats to push Europeans to increase defense spending, and “So Long Europe,” where the US strategically pivots away from Europe to focus on China.
- The EU is advised to prepare by investing in stronger defense capabilities, including enhanced defense spending, developing collective capabilities, and preparing for conventional deterrence without US support.
Trump’s Unwavering Defense Commitment
President Trump made his position crystal clear during his address to American troops stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. As part of his multi-day tour of the Gulf region, the President emphasized that while his priority remains ending conflicts rather than starting them, he “will never hesitate” to use American military might when necessary to defend the United States and its partners. This statement reinforces Trump’s long-standing approach to international relations—one based on peace through strength and decisive action when American interests or allies are threatened.
Trump’s military address comes at a critical time when global security dynamics are shifting dramatically. His promise of “substantial” pay raises for US troops demonstrates his commitment to maintaining America’s military readiness while ensuring service members are properly compensated for their sacrifices. The President’s forthright approach to defense matters continues to resonate with both military personnel and American citizens who prioritize national security above all else.
𝗢𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗡𝗭 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝟮.𝟬
The following op-ed is by ACT MPs Mark Cameron and Laura McClure.
With Donald Trump heading back to the White House next week, much discussion has focused…
— ACT New Zealand (@actparty) January 14, 2025
European Concerns and NATO Relations
European security experts have expressed significant concerns about America’s future commitment to the continent. According to a briefing by the European Union Institute for Security Studies, a US withdrawal from Europe could prove as destabilizing for the EU as a nuclear attack by Russia. These concerns have intensified with Trump’s return to the White House, particularly regarding the possibility that America might negotiate with Russia without involving Ukraine or EU allies, while also challenging European positions on trade and technology.
“We can’t rule out the possibility that America might say “no” to Europe on issues that threaten it,” said President Zelensky
The European analysis outlines two potential scenarios for US-European relations under the Trump administration. The first, dubbed “Tit for Tat,” involves America using the threat of abandonment as leverage to push European countries to increase defense spending, with preference for US weapons systems, while also demanding concessions in trade and technology sectors. The second, more extreme scenario called “So Long Europe,” envisions a strategic US retrenchment from the continent to focus on other priorities like China.
Recommendations for European Defense
In light of these scenarios, European defense experts are advocating for a comprehensive strengthening of EU security capabilities. Recommendations include significantly enhancing defense spending across member states, developing collective capabilities, and preparing for conventional deterrence without American support. The EU is specifically advised to support member states in increasing defense budgets and developing strategic enablers like airlift and intelligence capabilities that have traditionally been provided by the United States.
President Trump’s previous tenure saw him consistently criticize European defense spending levels and threaten withdrawal from NATO if allies failed to meet their financial obligations. This approach succeeded in pushing many European nations to increase their defense budgets, though most still fall short of NATO’s 2% GDP target. The administration’s potential use of tariffs as both policy tools and bargaining chips mirrors its approach to European defense—demanding fair contribution while maintaining America’s commitment to mutual defense.
America’s Strength-Based Foreign Policy
President Trump’s commitment to using force when necessary represents the cornerstone of his foreign policy approach—peace through strength. By maintaining overwhelming military capability and the clear willingness to deploy it when American interests are threatened, the administration aims to deter potential adversaries while reassuring allies. This strategy contrasts sharply with approaches that prioritize diplomatic engagement without the credible threat of force, which historically have emboldened rather than restrained aggressive regimes.
While promising never to hesitate when force is required, Trump simultaneously emphasizes his preference for ending conflicts rather than starting them. This balanced approach recognizes both the necessity of military readiness and the tremendous costs—human and financial—of prolonged military engagements. By maintaining America’s defensive capabilities at their peak while being judicious about their deployment, the President aims to secure America’s position as the world’s preeminent superpower while avoiding unnecessary entanglements in foreign conflicts.
