Why does Trump want NATO members to pay more for defense if he doesn't think Russia is dangerous?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

I don't get that at all (actually, I don't get much at all about the Pestilence of the United States). All we hear from Trump is that Putin is a good fellow and Russia isn't really an adversary -- but NATO was created in the first place as a defense against USSR aggression, so why does he have a bug up his butt about other NATO members' contributions to their own defense (not to mention his weird insistence that somehow the US is owed money, which it isn't)? If Russia isn't dangerous why is more money needed for defense? Riddle me that...

[Algernon Moncrieff]

1. Because they will still buy MIC products

...and the MIC still loves money.

On the other hand, Germany will likely hurry to develop a formidable nuclear capability independent of the other NATO members.

[BBG]

2. Follow the money

Who is the worlds leading arms dealer?

[AlexSFCA]

3. it's not money, he is trying to break nato

with every excuse possible to withdraw from nato to aid putin in his quest for power in europe.

[pangaia]

4. It is all just a show.

Putin wants Eastern Europe.
Trump is being blackmailed and was installed as a russian agent.
End of discussion.

Sorry, that sounds insulting. I didn;t mean it that way.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. Not insulting at all. And my question was mostly rhetorical

because obviously the Pestilence has ulterior motives.

[Cicada]

6. Trump supporters hate anyone different, so attacking everyone different helps him

[MontanaMama]

7. He's going to have them

write the checks for their NATO dues out to David Dennison. 😏