Donald Trump contemplating new demand to have allies pay full cost for US troops on their soil, plus 50 percent more
- The plan being bruited about is proving particularly unnerving for Japan, South Korea and Germany
In private discussions with his aides, US President Donald Trump has devised an eye-popping formula to address one of his long-standing complaints: that allies hosting US forces do not pay Washington enough money.
Under the formula, countries would pay the full cost of stationing American troops on their territory, plus 50 percent more, said US and foreign officials familiar with the idea, which could have allies contributing five times what they provide.
Trump calls the formula “cost plus 50,” and it has struck fear in the hearts of US allies who view it as extortionate.
Rumours that the formula could become a global standard have especially rattled Germany, Japan and South Korea, which host thousands of forces, and US officials have mentioned the demand to at least one country in a formal negotiation setting, said people familiar with the matter.
National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis said the Trump administration “is committed to getting the best deal for the American people” but would not comment “on any ongoing deliberations regarding specific ideas”.
Trump has long complained that US and Nato allies freeload on US military protection, but the cost-plus-50 formula has only gained traction in recent months, said current and former US officials, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations.