
Steve Deace Show Is It FINALLY Time to Leave NATO? | Guest: Jordan Schachtel | 4/3/26
Apr 3, 2026
Jordan Schachtel, independent journalist and national-security commentator, joins to dissect NATO and global strategy. He debates whether the U.S. should continue its commitments to Europe and weighs the political costs. Conversation also covers what Republicans might realistically achieve in Congress and how shifting focus from foreign entanglements could change domestic priorities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Force NATO To Match U.S. Commitments Dollar For Dollar
- Make NATO strictly transactional: demand dollar-for-dollar and missile-for-missile matching before U.S. support continues.
- Steve Deace argues leverage should be applied: every dollar, missile, or ship we commit must be matched by the 31 other members combined.
U.S. Pays Disproportionate NATO Bill Per Capita
- The U.S. bears disproportionate per-capita defense costs in NATO, making the alliance feel like a subsidy rather than a partnership.
- Aaron McIntyre notes the U.S. is second-highest per capita spender (behind Norway) while many large European powers under-invest.
Unify Messaging Around Positive, Achievable Priorities
- Focus Republican messaging on unified, positive priorities (Iran, innovation, domestic renewal) rather than doom-laden conspiratorial content.
- Jordan Schachtel recommends a coordinated comms strategy to avoid internal actors blowing up serious efforts and to improve midterms prospects.


