re: Trump Threatens to Ignore NATO Treaty if Unhappy with Member Dues. Thoughts?

This is a MUTUAL defense treaty. Let's say Spain decides it is too far away from the Russian border to be concerned, so it decides to spend one half of a percent of its GDP on defense, instead of the required 2%. In this case, Spain has abrogated the agreement and other countries within the treaty are no longer obligated to defend Spain.

On the other hand, if countries see that no matter how little you spend, then you will be taken care of, then they will get by on the bare minimum.

Trump is right - you don't have to uphold your half of the agreement if the other party or parties do not hold up their half. With statements like this - he's making the alliance stronger, by letting EVERY country know they must live up to their obligation or face the consequences.

GOOD FOR TRMUMP. He says the hard things that need to be said - and he back them up too.