As multiple self-inflicted crises and a new criminal investigation envelop his administration, President Donald Trump threatens to bring his brand of chaos to America’s critical alliances on his first foreign trip. Among other recent catastrophes, America’s allies looked on in horror as Trump shared laughs with Russia’s foreign minister in the Oval Office.
Now more than ever, America’s allies need to be reassured that the United States remains committed to our common defense. But Trump’s on and off again dislike of NATO appears to be on again just ahead of his first summit with NATO leaders. Instead of using this trip to strengthen our alliances, Trump appears to be doing his best to weaken America’s leadership abroad.