America Has Paid Enough, Time for Europe to Carry Its Own Weight

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THE WORLD – The United States has spent the better part of the last century as the world’s security blanket. It has footed the bill, provided the muscle, and maintained the stability that allows nations across the globe to operate without the existential fear of invasion or economic ruin. America has funded the security of Europe, patrolled the waters of Asia, and bankrolled the defense of allies who are more than willing to let Uncle Sam carry the load while they reap the benefits. But as the world grows more chaotic, and as the enemies of the West—Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran—continue to push the boundaries of aggression, one question must be asked: Why should 300 million Americans continue to subsidize the security of 500 million Europeans who refuse to take responsibility for their own defense?

This is not an argument against alliances or against the fundamental cooperation that has defined the modern global order. Rather, it is a call for fairness, for sovereignty, and for a recalibration of priorities that puts America first. For decades, European nations have enjoyed the luxury of underfunding their militaries while the United States picks up the slack. They point to NATO as proof of their commitment, but the reality is that the majority of NATO member states fail to meet even the minimal 2% GDP defense spending requirement. Meanwhile, the United States, time and time again, is expected to not only meet its own obligations but to carry the burden of those who refuse to do so themselves.

Europe’s reliance on American defense isn’t just about money—it’s about will. While American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines train relentlessly, deploy worldwide, and often return home in flag-draped coffins, many European nations have treated their militaries as symbolic forces, more ceremonial than functional. This dynamic has worked because the U.S. has allowed it to. But at what cost? America’s national debt is soaring, its own military faces recruitment struggles, and American cities are falling into decay while billions of dollars flow overseas in the name of global security.

The United States has given more to the world than any nation in modern history. After World War II, the Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe from the rubble, turning war-torn nations into economic powerhouses. The U.S. has provided foreign aid on an unprecedented scale, sent its military to prevent genocide, fought wars that liberated millions from tyranny, and ensured that the global economy functions through its dominance of trade and maritime security. From technological innovation to medical breakthroughs, American ingenuity has changed the course of human history.

But despite this, America is constantly told it must do more. More aid, more troops, more funding, more sacrifice. All while nations that benefit from U.S. protection criticize its policies, undermine its interests, and, in many cases, openly oppose American leadership on the world stage. European leaders will stand at podiums demanding America “do the right thing” when it comes to Ukraine, climate policies, or global trade agreements, yet those same leaders hesitate when it comes to investing in their own defense or standing up to threats on their own borders. They have become addicted to American security, to the point where they cannot function without it, yet they fail to acknowledge or appreciate the cost borne by the American people.

Consider the situation in Ukraine. Since 2022, the United States has provided over $100 billion in aid, weapons, and logistical support to help repel Russian aggression. Meanwhile, many European nations—closer to the threat, with more at stake—have contributed a fraction of that. Poland and the Baltic states have been notable exceptions, recognizing that their own security is directly tied to their commitment. But Germany, France, and other major European players have done the bare minimum, always with the expectation that the U.S. will be there to fill in the gaps.

And let’s not forget China, whose economic and military expansion poses the greatest long-term threat to the world order. While the U.S. Navy patrols the South China Sea, protecting global shipping lanes and standing as the only real deterrent to Chinese aggression, European nations reap the benefits of free trade with Beijing while contributing little to counter its influence. They lecture America on economic policies and trade decisions while continuing to sign deals that empower the Chinese Communist Party.

North Korea continues its nuclear ambitions. Iran funds terrorism across the Middle East. Russia rebuilds its military and prepares for long-term conflict. And through it all, America is expected to remain the global enforcer, to put out fires that others refuse to acknowledge, all while shouldering the economic consequences of being the world’s policeman.

The time has come for a shift in priorities. America cannot and should not continue to carry the world on its back while its own citizens struggle with inflation, crime, and economic uncertainty. Our southern border is a disaster, our infrastructure is crumbling, and our national debt is spiraling. The American taxpayer should not be the world’s ATM. (CONTINUED BELOW)

If Europe truly believes in the importance of a “unified global response,” then it is time for Europe to act like it. If they believe the threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are existential, then they should begin to invest in their own defense as though their survival depends on it—because it does. America’s role in the world should not be to endlessly subsidize nations that refuse to stand on their own. It is time for an America-first approach, not just in rhetoric but in policy. That does not mean isolationism—it means prioritization.

The world should be grateful for what the United States has done, but gratitude does not pay the bills. If these nations truly value their security, their economies, and their way of life, then they need to stop looking to Washington to fund their survival and start taking responsibility for their own futures. Because at some point, if they don’t, America may finally decide it’s had enough.