It seems that President Trump handed German Chancellor Angela Merkel a bill when she visited the United States—for almost $400 million. That represents the amount Trump reckons is due to cover Germany's failure to meet its commitment to support NATO to the tune of 2 percent of its GDP, plus interest on the unpaid balance. Ignore if you can the unpleasant manner of delivering the message to Europe's most important politician and leader, and consider the facts that prompted the demand that Germany live up to its commitment.
Germany is understandably comfortable with its current contribution of 1.20 percent, well below our 3.61 percent and the U.K.'s 2.17 percent. German sources "close to Merkel" say she has "ignored the provocation," which she sees as "outrageous." Why so? Well, the president's view of NATO is "unorthodox." True. "The alliance is not a club with a membership fee." Also true, in a certain sense. Then comes Germany's defense of its defense spending: "The commitments relate to countries' investment in their defense budgets." So Germany's refusal to meet its commitment to invest 2 percent of its GDP in defense is justified because "that commitment relates to its defense budget." Get it?
Oh, yes. Germany also undoubtedly thinks it is unorthodox for Trump to suggest that something be done about a situation that allows Germany to levy a 20-percent VAT on American automobiles imported into Germany, while we allow those BMWs, Audis, emission-control-cheating VWs, et al. into the United States virtually tax-free. Suggesting that has to change is still another "outrageous provocation," no doubt.