NATO Finally Pulling Its Weight

NATO Finally Pulling Its Weight

Ambassador Mike Waltz reminded viewers that NATO did not always look so responsible. When President Trump took office, only a handful of members met the bare minimum defense spending target. Under pressure, many allies increased contributions and some now spend well above that minimum. That is not praise for chaos. It is praise for accountability. Stronger NATO budgets mean less free riding and more burden sharing to face real threats like Russia and China.

The Arctic Is Not a Snowy Vacation Spot

Waltz bluntly pushed back on the idea the Arctic is irrelevant to our safety. Russia is modernizing nuclear forces and testing weapons designed to evade radar. China is building up its arsenal and global reach. Missiles and long range assets that could threaten the United States would likely transit the polar route. Ignoring the Arctic because it is cold would be a dangerous form of denial.

Icebreakers, Shipping Lanes, and Real Strategy

Shipping lanes are opening as ice melts, and rival nations are moving in. Russia already operates dozens of icebreakers. China is building its own fleet. Meanwhile some NATO partners do not have the heavy icebreaking capacity needed to secure Arctic waters. Waltz highlighted that the Trump approach was practical. The administration has pursued plans, including cooperation with Finland, to build American icebreakers so the United States can operate where it matters.

When Allies Stall, Leaders Act

Waltz made a simple point about leadership. If allies ignore a strategic risk, America still has to defend its people. According to Waltz, President Trump chose to act on defense gaps rather than wait for a crisis. That is the conservative definition of prudence. Preparation beats panic, and deterrence beats regret.

WATCH: @michaelgwaltz on Greenland, says President Trump is going to protect the American people "even when our allies are ignoring these glaring threats." pic.twitter.com/xi1sbsMtAY

— Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) January 25, 2026

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