Trump ramps up NATO criticism ahead of summit

President Trump repeated his criticism of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members early Tuesday as he prepared to leave for a NATO summit, saying they “must pay MORE” for defense, while the United States “must pay LESS.”

“The U.S. is spending many times more than any other country in order to protect them. Not fair to the U.S. taxpayer,” Trump tweeted.

The president also invoked trade battles with the European Union, saying the U.S. loses “$151 Billion on Trade” with the EU.

Getting ready to leave for Europe. First meeting – NATO. The U.S. is spending many times more than any other country in order to protect them. Not fair to the U.S. taxpayer. On top of that we lose $151 Billion on Trade with the European Union. Charge us big Tariffs (& Barriers)!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2018

Trump in a subsequent tweet demanded that NATO countries pay more for defense.

NATO countries must pay MORE, the United States must pay LESS. Very Unfair!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2018

{mosads}Trump will depart the U.S. for the NATO summit in Brussels later Tuesday. He will also meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and travel to the United Kingdom during his trip to Europe.

Trump has repeatedly slammed trade deals with EU countries, and last month imposed steep tariffs on the nations’ aluminum and steel imports. He has also threatened to slap a tariff on all European car imports.