Speaking at a press conference, President Donald Trump declared the NATO summit a success. Speaking in front of international reporters, he told them that he voiced his dissatisfaction at the current arrangement, given how the U.S. is disproportionately footing the bill for the alliance. “Yesterday, I let them know that I was extremely unhappy with what was happening and they have substantially upped their commitment,” Trump said that this pressure he put on the other NATO countries will possibly increase their defense spending by $40 billion.
Back in 2014, NATO countries committed to spending 2 percent of their gross domestic products (GDP) on defense by 2024. Current estimates from NATO show that only 15 members, or just over half, will meet the benchmark by 2024 based on current trends. Trump would like them to pay that amount immediately.
What good is NATO if Germany is paying Russia billions of dollars for gas and energy? Why are there only 5 out of 29 countries that have met their commitment? The U.S. is paying for Europe’s protection, then loses billions on Trade. Must pay 2% of GDP IMMEDIATELY, not by 2025.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2018
While Trump hasn’t held a White House press conference as President (given his justifiably hostile relationship with the American media), he fielded a number of questions from international reporters at the conference. While there wasn’t the usual hostility you see from reporters (such as those Sarah Huckabee Sanders has to answer questions from), one did wonder whether or not Trump’s own tone might change once he exits the summit. “We understand your message, but some people ask themselves, will you be tweeting differently once you board the Air Force One?”
President Trump responded with a classic line of his: “That’s other people that do that. I don’t. I’m very consistent. I’m a very stable genius.” Trump’s comment got a few laughs from the audience, who recognized this was the second time he’d made it publicly.
Watch below (the relevant question begins at 2:50:
Trump first made the “stable genius” comment back in January on Twitter, in response to news reports about the bogus Russia investigation/Robert Mueller Special Counsel, and his ability to hold office.
….Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018
….to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius….and a very stable genius at that!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018
Of course, liberals on Twitter completely lost their minds after the President called himself a “stable genius.”
Trump, without any apparently sense of humor, claims "I'm very consistent. I'm a very stable genius." pic.twitter.com/OutkgluIzL
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/waltshaub/status/1017368854060773376
Did Trump actually call himself a stable genius again, this time on the world stage in Brussels? This has to be the worst episode of Punk’d. #nationalnightmare #TrumpUKVisit #StableGenius https://t.co/mjMq9ooo7C
— Robyn Squire (@RealRobynSquire) July 12, 2018
Trump calling himself a "very stable genius" on the international stage and babbling all his "like you wouldn't believe"nonsense, is unable to articulate anything of substance or provide an accurate fact. Trump has made the United States the laughing stock of the world.
— [email protected] (@LauraWalkerKC) July 12, 2018
President Trump is very good at reading a room and likely knew that the left would freak out over his comments, which is exactly why he said he’s a “stable genius.” The President takes great joy in angering the left, and this is just another example of their collective outrage.
