New York Daily News: Treaty? What treaty?: Trump trashes NATO

NATO’s organization is for the North Atlantic Treaty, which was signed on April 4, 1949, in Washington by the U.S., Canada and 10 countries of Western Europe, still recovering from the war to defeat Hilter and fearful of a new war from Stalin.

It was a mutual defense pact, with the key provision being Article 5, saying “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.”

Since 1949, 19 more European countries have been added, always with the solemn pledge that all 31 members will defend all other members. Sweden will soon be the 32nd member if Hungary ever agrees.

This brings us to Trump, who at a campaign rally recounting how he told some NATO leader that he would withhold American assistance and let Russia have its way with members that didn’t spend more on defense.

"You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?" Trump said.

"No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills."

This comes from a guy who doesn't pay his bills.

We want everyone in NATO to share the burden of our common defense, but the defense must come first.