NATO staff are reported to be watering down language on topics such as climate change and diversity in a bid to avoid conflict with Donald Trump’s administration. The claims were made by three people familiar with the matter, according to Politico.
Language around issues such as women, climate and security have been rephrased in new NATO legislation, with words changed to language less likely to irk Trump and his officials. The new US administration has declared “war on woke” and has been ruthless in its approach to cut diversity, equity and inclusion, (DEI) in a range of sectors, cutting funding for establishments which fail to comply. One official told Politico: “Everyone sees on the news where the Trump admin stands; you don’t want to do anything that shoots yourself in the foot.”
According to insiders, phrases such as “Green technologies” have been amended to “innovative technologies” whilst any language around “gender” and “women” is being avoided in order to ensure that officials are able to get things passed by all 32 member countries, including the U.S.
The official added: “Everyone knows that the worst thing you can do is present it as a diversity issue.
“It’s not a woke agenda, it’s part of a military agenda, and now more people are pricking up their ears to make sure it is spoken about in military terms.”
The defensive alliance has come under considerable strain since Donald Trump’s re-election, with the long-time critic calling on European nations to “step up” and stop “freeloading” off the United States.
Earlier this year, he called on NATO members to raise defence spending as a percentage of GDP to 5%, a move that would require the UK to more than double its current outlay.
Previously the US President has said that he would be in favour of allowing adversaries to attack members who have not paid their fair share.
Such is the tenuousness of the country’s commitment to the alliance, senior leaders have called for European nations to begin planning to phase the United States out of its main role.
European leaders are understood to be developing five and ten year plans that would see them eventually take the lead for the continent’s security.
