Scott Bessent, Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary, is under fire from within his own party after remarks suggesting Europe must shoulder more of the burden against Russia — comments that one retiring Republican lawmaker said echoed the appeasement rhetoric of the 1930s.
In an appearance on Fox Business Network, Bessent said Moscow’s aggression should be met with tougher sanctions from Europe, but sought to draw a line between threats to Warsaw and Washington. “Putin’s not marching into Boston,” Bessent said, while praising Poland’s defense spending and post–Cold War economic rise.
That remark touched a nerve with Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a former Air Force brigadier general. Bacon, who is not seeking reelection, fired back online: “This is how we talked in the 1930s, and we learned it did not work. We are in NATO for very good reasons.”
The clash spotlights a simmering divide among Republicans over U.S. commitments in Europe. Trump-aligned officials have long pressed for Europe to bear more of the financial and military burden of deterrence. But NATO’s Article 5 pledge — that an attack on one member is an attack on all — leaves little daylight between Warsaw and Boston in terms of U.S. obligations.
The spat comes as Trump himself has sent mixed signals about NATO’s role in countering Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, oscillating between praise for allies like Poland and skepticism of U.S. entanglements abroad.
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In all fairness, the 1930s did turn out rather well for those who survived. And the program of non-intervention did lead to a facilitation of urban renewal programs in most major European cities (and imagine what we could do with modern weapons).
The flaw in the argument is that in the 1930s the major western “superpowers” were the British and French, so we should be looking at how the failure to stop aggression impacted those countries, since America is now filling their 1930s role.
YWN why? Again your tone is anti-Trump. Don’t suggest “we just report”! This article is clearly anti Trump. Don’t gaslight your readership which the great majority is pro Trump and just come to you for the news. If you were reporting it pro Trump (as most of your viewers are) this is how you would report it. And btw this is the correct response by Bessent.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting America’s interests by urging European nations to step up their role in confronting Russia. Speaking on Fox Business Network, Bessent praised Poland’s strong defense spending and economic growth, noting that allies who invest in their own security strengthen NATO as a whole. His comment that “Putin’s not marching into Boston” underscored the administration’s priority of putting American families first while still supporting partners abroad.
Some longtime lawmakers voiced concerns, but Bessent’s remarks reflect a broader push from President Trump to ensure NATO members contribute their fair share instead of relying on U.S. taxpayers. This message resonates with many Americans who believe fairness and accountability should guide international alliances. Far from weakening NATO, Trump’s approach has encouraged countries like Poland to rise as strong leaders within the alliance.
While critics focus on old talking points, the administration continues to balance firm deterrence of Russia with responsible stewardship of American resources. Trump’s leadership has made clear that the United States will remain strong, but expects allies to carry their weight in defending freedom.