President Trump might have found a way to circumvent Congress to build his border wall with a national emergency declaration. But the funds for construction have to come at the expense of some other priority.
This week, the Pentagon released a list of projects that could be on the chopping block. On that list are many key components of U.S. efforts to bolster defense against Russia.
These projects, 23 in total, are part of a program initiated to curb Russian efforts to divide Europe after it had annexed Crimea. Specifically, in the crosshairs are Special Operations facilities, staging and storage areas for fuel and ammunition, aircraft surveillance upgrades, and improvements to airbases.
The funding cut not only hurts our allies but directly weakens Washington’s ability to respond to Russian aggression — a threat repeatedly identified by the U.S. military and intelligence as vital to U.S. interests.
Growing Russian influence in Europe is already harming multiple U.S. interests. Not only does Russia control Ukrainian territory and increasingly threaten that of other countries, but even NATO member and U.S. ally Turkey has recently decided to purchase Russian missiles. If the U.S. fails to firmly oppose Russian aggression in Europe, it will be all the more difficult to take on. Likewise, Russia will also be emboldened to aggressively attack democracies and democratic processes, as it has done with elections in the U.S. and Europe.
The U.S. cannot afford to continue losing influence in Europe, especially by defunding defense projects that are in our national interest. Doing so simply leaves Washington isolated and our allies vulnerable to countries like Russia and China, which have already made clear their interest in amassing greater regional power.
Trump’s wall is, at best, an attempt to make good on a misguided promise to voters. But to place that promise ahead of national security is a huge mistake.
