US Europe

Many articles are written about the change of heart that Europe has toward the US. Europe is generally less friendly toward the U.S. now than in 2015, driven by a sharp decline in favorability following the return of Donald Trump and a preference for European autonomy. Trump himself and his VP and Secretary of State have told Europe they must make changes to survive. They must spend more on their own national defense and stop relying on the US. They should place more emphasis on fossil fuels and less on wind and solar. They should deport illegal migrants. While no country likes getting advice from another, there have been significant changes made by the US that have a monetary effect on Europe. In 2015 Europe spent 1.45% of GDP on defense and today it is 2.16% headed for 5%. In 2015 the US covered 73% of total NATO cost and today it is 67%. In 2015 Europe collected $16,500 in import taxes and fees on a $50,000 car from the US and today they collect $10,500. In the early years of the war the US sent arms to Europe for free to send to Ukraine but today they sell those same arms to Europe. Perhaps the change of heart has something to do with the change in financial arrangements.