Trump on EU Leaders

[baggieal]

Whilst I have no time for Trump and even less time for his stance on Ukraine - he?s right about the European Allies. Talk - Talk - Talk

European leaders for what he perceives to be a collective failure to act over the war in Ukraine.
The US president said Kyiv's European allies "talk but they don't produce... and the war just keeps going on and on".
He said: "I know the good leaders. I know the bad leaders. I know the smart ones. I know the stupid ones. You get some real stupid ones, too.

[baggiematt]

Let him talk, he always talks. Reality is, hes a clown that has turned american and international politics into a circus.

What exactly is he criticising European leaders for? What does he expect them to do?

Reality is, he is a crooked man leveraging US strength to get what he wants out of the deal, which is to shaft Ukraine, leave the rest of Europe vulnerable and appease the man who probably helped him get elected in the first place.

A crooked and corrupt man in open sight, absolutely not interested in helping Europe and folk like you fall for it rotten.

[baggieal]

Let him talk, he always talks. Reality is, hes a clown that has turned american and international politics into a circus.

What exactly is he criticising European leaders for? What does he expect them to do?

Reality is, he is a crooked man leveraging US strength to get what he wants out of the deal, which is to shaft Ukraine, leave the rest of Europe vulnerable and appease the man who probably helped him get elected in the first place.

A crooked and corrupt man in open sight, absolutely not interested in helping Europe and folk like you fall for it rotten.

Why can?t Europe help themselves with a middle finger up to him? Why can?t they use the billions in frozen assets sitting in Brussels?

It?s called balls Matt! Starmer can?t even stop the boats FFS 😂😂

[kettering_baggie]

I’m not a Trump fan but when he accuses European leaders as weak, he is absolutely correct. Look at Starmer, for starters, what a complete tw@t the man is, unfit to lead a dog, let alone a country. The first responsibility of a government, whatever party, is the defence of the nation and Starmer is failing us (actually, as Labour always does). If Trump washed his hands of Europe completely, Putin would have a free hand, there’s nobody to stop him.

[baggiematt]

I’m not a Trump fan but when he accuses European leaders as weak, he is absolutely correct. Look at Starmer, for starters, what a complete tw@t the man is, unfit to lead a dog, let alone a country. The first responsibility of a government, whatever party, is the defence of the nation and Starmer is failing us (actually, as Labour always does). If Trump washed his hands of Europe completely, Putin would have a free hand, there’s nobody to stop him.

Of course Europe could stop Putin. He cant get passed a tiny corner of Ukraine. The only thing that makes Europe weaker is Trump giving him what he wants. Crippling European military and giving key strategic land making an attack on Europe easier.

Our problems are minuscule compared to what that orange nonce has caused in the US. We ask for resignations after Starmer taking £4k of glasses handouts, Trump was gifted a £400m jet!

Our biggest allies bully us. Trump is weak, the famous phrase Trump Always Chickens Out (TACO) - world renowned now. All talk no bottle. How many times has he switched sides between Russia and Ukraine?

[baggieal]

Of course Europe could stop Putin. He cant get passed a tiny corner of Ukraine. The only thing that makes Europe weaker is Trump giving him what he wants. Crippling European military and giving key strategic land making an attack on Europe easier.

Our problems are minuscule compared to what that orange nonce has caused in the US. We ask for resignations after Starmer taking £4k of glasses handouts, Trump was gifted a £400m jet!

Our biggest allies bully us. Trump is weak, the famous phrase Trump Always Chickens Out (TACO) - world renowned now. All talk no bottle. How many times has he switched sides between Russia and Ukraine?

And what did Biden do apart from insisting the allies couldn’t fire missiles into Russian territory?

Billions in Russian assets sitting in Brussels so just needs someone with balls to use it! Clearly not Starmer though😂

[baggiematt]

And what did Biden do apart from insisting the allies couldn’t fire missiles into Russian territory?

Billions in Russian assets sitting in Brussels so just needs someone with balls to use it! Clearly not Starmer though😂

At least Biden didn?t pally up with Putin and try to sell Ukraine. Biden was unwavering for support of the Europe, Trump isnt.

I have no idea why we dont spend the Russian assets. Neither do you. People with sense probably have a plan for it. Who knows?

[Omegstrat6]

I agree with Matt on one aspect of this one. Trump is just a narcissistic braggart and him calling EU leaders weak is no different to him calling reporters "stupid" or low "IQ". He likes to think of himself as a strong man but he isn't known as TACO for nothing so calling European leaders "weak" is hypocritical at best.

In the case of Starmer, I do agree that he is a weak leader mostly because he consistently does not read the room or properly think things through enough which then leads to him being forced to reconsider and either make U-turns or else dilute policies. On the other-hand, being a "strong" leader in itself certainly does not mean that that individual is necessarily a force for good as numerous authoritarian regimes have proven over time. Putin, of course, included.

I also think Matt is right to ask what anyone should expect EU leaders to do as the situation is not straightforward. Even if NATO members had continued to invest in their military as they had during the Cold War, Europe still could not stand up to Russia alone and without US support unless it's leaders were prepared to use nuclear weapons which would clearly be a no-win situation.

Where I disagree with Matt is in thinking that just because Russia is struggling to take Ukraine that the European NATO countries alone could win a war against Russia even if they used seized Russian assets to help fund it. The editorial piece by Frank Gardner currently on the BBC online news site explains why and echoes what former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and many others who should know have been saying for some time.

There seem to me to be 3 main factors to consider if things were to escalate to this point: firstly, European NATO members may have the tech but they have limited supplies of both equipment and personnel, secondly is the changing face of warfare with the impact of hybrid attacks on data systems and drone usage for example that need to be countered and lastly is the fact that however poorly trained, led or equipped Russia's front-line forces are, Putin has a massive reserve he can call upon and he is prepared to keep sacrificing them. Moreover, Russia might not enjoy support from China (who would likely happily watch from the side-lines as both Russian and European forces are depleted) but India and others would still likely trade with Putin and help him economically.

The world would feel safer a lot safer without Putin in it but a change of POTUS to one that had some integrity and moral fibre certainly would not go amiss either.

[On Balance]

It has often been said on here and elsewhere that Putin has something on Trump. I wonder if there is a connection between the three mentioned below.

Trump, Putin, Epstein. I’ll say no more!

[baggiematt]

I agree with Matt on one aspect of this one. Trump is just a narcissistic braggart and him calling EU leaders weak is no different to him calling reporters "stupid" or low "IQ". He likes to think of himself as a strong man but he isn't known as TACO for nothing so calling European leaders "weak" is hypocritical at best.

In the case of Starmer, I do agree that he is a weak leader mostly because he consistently does not read the room or properly think things through enough which then leads to him being forced to reconsider and either make U-turns or else dilute policies. On the other-hand, being a "strong" leader in itself certainly does not mean that that individual is necessarily a force for good as numerous authoritarian regimes have proven over time. Putin, of course, included.

I also think Matt is right to ask what anyone should expect EU leaders to do as the situation is not straightforward. Even if NATO members had continued to invest in their military as they had during the Cold War, Europe still could not stand up to Russia alone and without US support unless it's leaders were prepared to use nuclear weapons which would clearly be a no-win situation.

Where I disagree with Matt is in thinking that just because Russia is struggling to take Ukraine that the European NATO countries alone could win a war against Russia even if they used seized Russian assets to help fund it. The editorial piece by Frank Gardner currently on the BBC online news site explains why and echoes what former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and many others who should know have been saying for some time.

There seem to me to be 3 main factors to consider if things were to escalate to this point: firstly, European NATO members may have the tech but they have limited supplies of both equipment and personnel, secondly is the changing face of warfare with the impact of hybrid attacks on data systems and drone usage for example that need to be countered and lastly is the fact that however poorly trained, led or equipped Russia's front-line forces are, Putin has a massive reserve he can call upon and he is prepared to keep sacrificing them. Moreover, Russia might not enjoy support from China (who would likely happily watch from the side-lines as both Russian and European forces are depleted) but India and others would still likely trade with Putin and help him economically.

The world would feel safer a lot safer without Putin in it but a change of POTUS to one that had some integrity and moral fibre certainly would not go amiss either.

Europe is substantially more powerful than Russia. We have them on economy, military capability and intelligence. Quite substantially.

They couldnt take on Finland in their hay day.

No doubt about it, Ukraine are first line of defence and unless America pulls strings and shafts us, they will be there taking losses for years.

[SwedishBaggie]

Let him talk, he always talks. Reality is, hes a clown that has turned american and international politics into a circus.

What exactly is he criticising European leaders for? What does he expect them to do?

Reality is, he is a crooked man leveraging US strength to get what he wants out of the deal, which is to shaft Ukraine, leave the rest of Europe vulnerable and appease the man who probably helped him get elected in the first place.

A crooked and corrupt man in open sight, absolutely not interested in helping Europe and folk like you fall for it rotten.

Could not agree more Matt. Really sad how the world is run. Trump in the US, Putin in Russia, China etc, etc? And, hopefully not, but, maybe so, Farage at your place? 🫣🫣🫣

[Dubbag]

Dictators/Communists the world over are still the main problem the world hasn't moved on from 1945.
They are a blight on humanity and as long as they promote their brand of fear on the world, there will never be peace. The only thing the Democracies of the world have done wrong was believe we could live with dictators. No chance.
War is coming make no mistake about it and America has some big decisions to make.

[Omegstrat6]

Dictators/Communists the world over are still the main problem the world hasn't moved on from 1945.
They are a blight on humanity and as long as they promote their brand of fear on the world, there will never be peace. The only thing the Democracies of the world have done wrong was believe we could live with dictators. No chance.
War is coming make no mistake about it and America has some big decisions to make.

Regarding your concluding sentence Dubbs, I sincerely hope you are wrong but as a lover of history there are just so many echoes of past events that have led to wars that I see in today's situation that it is difficult not to feel similarly. We could be sleep walking into even more dangerous times unless we are very careful.

A generally peaceful period of security, prosperity and freedoms in Europe since 1945 has made us complacent against threats posed from the likes of Putin and China. The irony is that it has been the greed and investment of both the US and Western European countries that has enabled both Russia and China to re-build their economies and become super powers. With a different POTUS in the White House, the US may still offer some balance against both but don't expect the Toddler in Chief to stand up to the plate.

[baggieal]

Could not agree more Matt. Really sad how the world is run. Trump in the US, Putin in Russia, China etc, etc? And, hopefully not, but, maybe so, Farage at your place? 🫣🫣🫣

I am no fan of Trump Swedish but to dismiss everything he says like garbage is not correct. Trump did say greedy NATO countries are feeding the Russian military machine because they are still buying oil. That is correct. The USA and Poland are the highest providers of military ammo and aid to Ukraine as a percentage of their GDP. Is this fair on their own tax payers when some NATO countries are providing either nothing or next to nothing? Trump has almost completely stopped illegal immigration within the US and those Americans who dislike like him acknowledge this credit. Did Biden ( apart from talk ) provide any more support to Ukraine than Trump? No - and Ukraine were not even allowed to fire into Russian territory because sleepy Joe was afraid of the consequences!

You mention Farage and whether some dislike him is their prerogative. If there was an election tomorrow Farage would walk in. Many in the UK are sick of open borders and thousands upon thousands of single men entering the country - free hotels - free meals costing billions. Within the last month a 12 year old, a 15 year old and two 14 year olds have been raped by Afghan immigrants. Anger is boiling and you have to say when girls are treated like absolute dirt in their own countries do these people know any difference? No - so why let them roam our streets and they should be deported immediately!

Some in the left make very uneducated comments like only thick or elderly people like Trump or Farage. I personally don’t like either but many do! Trump would have a far greater chance if able to win the next election than say Starmer who would get hammered at the polls.

My thoughts on illegal immigration is those entering should be kept in camps so they can not roam freely and then deported. To clarify any legal migrants who can offer the country a skill shortage ie medical staff, engineers etc should be allowed in straight away.

To conclude, I am careful about slating other leaders like Trump when our own leader is a weak gutless pathetic individual who opens our borders freely and throws welfare money around like confetti. My late father said there was no such thing as a free lunch and a good work ethic will bring about results. Clearly in our country he was wrong! Putin must be laughing his socks off at the coalition of willing FFS. As for talk of Trump and Epstein then maybe this is true but some need to look closer to home with members of our own Royal Family for similar scandal and top government officials who have openly committed fraud. We even have some nutters who support Corbyn ( many drop outs, and those with dyed hair ) for a creep who us clearly antisemitic and would dismantle any military defence we still have including Trident. Far more dangerous than Trump!

[SwedishBaggie]

I am no fan of Trump Swedish but to dismiss everything he says like garbage is not correct. Trump did say greedy NATO countries are feeding the Russian military machine because they are still buying oil. That is correct. The USA and Poland are the highest providers of military ammo and aid to Ukraine as a percentage of their GDP. Is this fair on their own tax payers when some NATO countries are providing either nothing or next to nothing? Trump has almost completely stopped illegal immigration within the US and those Americans who dislike like him acknowledge this credit. Did Biden ( apart from talk ) provide any more support to Ukraine than Trump? No - and Ukraine were not even allowed to fire into Russian territory because sleepy Joe was afraid of the consequences!

You mention Farage and whether some dislike him is their prerogative. If there was an election tomorrow Farage would walk in. Many in the UK are sick of open borders and thousands upon thousands of single men entering the country - free hotels - free meals costing billions. Within the last month a 12 year old, a 15 year old and two 14 year olds have been raped by Afghan immigrants. Anger is boiling and you have to say when girls are treated like absolute dirt in their own countries do these people know any difference? No - so why let them roam our streets and they should be deported immediately!

Some in the left make very uneducated comments like only thick or elderly people like Trump or Farage. I personally don’t like either but many do! Trump would have a far greater chance if able to win the next election than say Starmer who would get hammered at the polls.

My thoughts on illegal immigration is those entering should be kept in camps so they can not roam freely and then deported. To clarify any legal migrants who can offer the country a skill shortage ie medical staff, engineers etc should be allowed in straight away.

To conclude, I am careful about slating other leaders like Trump when our own leader is a weak gutless pathetic individual who opens our borders freely and throws welfare money around like confetti. My late father said there was no such thing as a free lunch and a good work ethic will bring about results. Clearly in our country he was wrong! Putin must be laughing his socks off at the coalition of willing FFS. As for talk of Trump and Epstein then maybe this is true but some need to look closer to home with members of our own Royal Family for similar scandal and top government officials who have openly committed fraud. We even have some nutters who support Corbyn ( many drop outs, and those with dyed hair ) for a creep who us clearly antisemitic and would dismantle any military defence we still have including Trident. Far more dangerous than Trump!

It is true that everything, eg Trump says, is not a lie or false - that doesn?t mean he a good leader or suitable to preside over the superpower # 1.

For instance, I don?t every single statement from, let?s say, Hitler, was false/untrue/wrong etc, but, I do think it would have been very wise never to listen to him.