Regarding Japan’s defense … there are good arguments for letting them take care of their own defense again, from the left and right. Ian Buruma (who is one of my favorite Western commentators on Japan) has long argued that the US presence in Japan and Korea is a major reason Japan, South Korea and China are all so cantankerous. Without the US taking responsibility for the regions security, everyone would have to grow up, stop re-arguing the past, and be more responsible for their words and actions.

…But somehow I’m guessing Trump hasn’t read any Buruma. Or thought his arguments through at any level.