AARON MASAITIS: Donald Trump Is The President Europe Needs
The European Wake Up Call After nearly 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, I’ve learned one enduring truth: peace is achieved through strength. America’s strength, courage, and leadership have guided…
The European Wake Up Call
After nearly 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, I’ve learned one enduring truth: peace is achieved through strength. America’s strength, courage, and leadership have guided the world for decades. In Europe, American strength was responsible for the destruction of tyranny during two world wars, paving the way for the peace and prosperity that followed.
President Donald Trump’s recent address at Davos has reaffirmed American strength and established a framework for a future deal to further strengthen the transatlantic alliance.
It turns out that despite America’s and Europe’s many differing opinions and approaches, our common goals remain remarkably similar. We all seek peace, stability, and prosperity for our families, communities, and nations. The question is whether we have the wisdom and courage to pursue these goals together.
Trump’s leadership was a stark reminder to Europe of the challenges facing our alliance. Our shared adversaries seek to destroy our way of life and dominate the global stage. America’s allies would be wise to answer his call and face this threat head-on by getting serious about the Arctic (including Greenland), increasing defense spending, slashing through bureaucratic red tape, and building on shared interests rather than expressing hollow platitudes.
The Global Perspective
My travels, both in uniform and as a private citizen, have shown me two sides of international cooperation. In the European Union, I’ve seen what thriving partnerships can achieve when nations work together despite their differences. In struggling societies like Cuba, I’ve felt the weight of isolation and economic stagnation.
In neighboring Venezuela, a country that has felt the boot of communism on its neck for decades, Trump’s leadership has given its citizens a shot at freedom and an economic revival. These countries both fell victim to the lies, deceit, and violent corruption of America’s adversaries. These experiences also teach us that our neighbors’ success or failure directly impacts our own security and prosperity.