Why America Gets Real ROI on Israel — But Almost Nothing on NATO or Ukraine
Alec Charles Reynolds Executive Director National American Citizen Association
A powerful message is making the rounds, and it deserves our full attention:
“The U.S. spends ~$100B a year defending NATO and that has now proven to have zero ROI. Israel gets ~$3.8B, and most of it is spent right back in the U.S. defense industry. Plus we’re a real ally. If you’re angry about American spending on Israel but silent on NATO, it’s not about the money.”
— Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (shared by Larry Elder)
This is not about picking sides in a foreign conflict. It’s about basic American priorities: Are we getting real value for the taxpayer dollars we send overseas?
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The United States spends approximately $100 billion per year supporting NATO allies through commitments, troop deployments, joint exercises, and defense infrastructure.
In return, NATO has delivered zero measurable ROI in recent years for American security or economic interests.
Israel receives $3.8 billion annually in military aid — and the vast majority of that money is required to be spent right back in the United States on American-made weapons, technology, and defense contracts. It supports U.S. jobs and keeps critical manufacturing here at home.
Israel vs. Ukraine: A Clear Comparison
Since 2022, the United States has sent over $175 billion in aid to Ukraine. Unlike Israel, the majority of this money does not return to the U.S. economy in the form of American-made weapons and jobs. Multiple reports have raised serious concerns about corruption, lack of accountability, and questionable battlefield results.
Israel, by contrast, has consistently delivered real strategic value through advanced missile defense technology (Iron Dome), intelligence sharing, cybersecurity cooperation, and joint counter-terrorism operations that have directly protected American lives.
Israel ROI Compared to Historical U.S. Foreign Aid
When we compare Israel’s current return on investment to major historical U.S. aid programs, the contrast is striking. The Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe after World War II. Cold War aid helped turn South Korea and Taiwan into economic powerhouses. Israel stands out because it delivers ongoing, measurable, and immediate returns in technology, intelligence, and American jobs — unlike many historical programs that took decades to show results.
US Aid to Taiwan, Japan & South Korea: Strong Strategic Returns
The United States provides significant support to Taiwan (approximately $2–3 billion annually in arms sales and security assistance). Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s advanced semiconductors — critical to both the U.S. economy and military.
Japan remains one of America’s strongest allies. Japan pays a substantial portion of the cost of U.S. bases on its soil and has dramatically increased its own defense spending while working closely with the U.S. on advanced technology and regional security.
South Korea receives important U.S. military support while being one of the largest buyers of American weapons systems. The alliance provides critical deterrence against North Korea and China, with strong economic and technological cooperation that benefits American workers and companies.
AUKUS: High Potential Return on Investment
The AUKUS alliance (Australia–United Kingdom–United States) is one of the most promising new strategic partnerships. It focuses on sharing nuclear-powered submarine technology and advanced defense capabilities. This alliance is expected to create thousands of high-paying American jobs in shipbuilding and defense while strengthening U.S. technological leadership and countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Gulf States ROI: Mixed but Strategically Important
The United States maintains important security relationships with several Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
The UAE and Bahrain have been strong partners, normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords and providing valuable intelligence and basing access.
Saudi Arabia remains a critical oil supplier and counterweight to Iran, but its human rights record and involvement in Yemen have complicated the relationship.
Qatar hosts a major U.S. airbase but also maintains close ties with groups the U.S. has historically viewed with suspicion.
Overall, Gulf alliances deliver important strategic benefits (basing rights, intelligence, energy security), but the ROI is more transactional and less transformative than what the U.S. receives from Israel in advanced technology and intelligence sharing.
Why This Matters for the 2026 Midterms
This issue is no longer just about foreign policy. It is becoming a major voter concern heading into the 2026 midterms.
American families are struggling with inflation, high housing costs, and strained public services. When they see $100 billion+ going to NATO with little return, $175 billion+ to Ukraine with serious accountability questions, and strong value from Israel, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and AUKUS, they are rightly asking:
“Why are we sending billions overseas when our own borders, veterans, and schools are struggling?”
Voters in 2026 will remember which candidates demanded real ROI on foreign aid and which ones continued to support blank checks without results.
NACA’s Mission: Educate. Empower. Choose.
At the National American Citizen Association, we believe every dollar of taxpayer money must be spent with one question in mind: Does this secure a better tomorrow for American children?
We refuse to let slogans or selective outrage decide where our tax dollars go. Instead, we focus on facts, returns, and constitutional priorities.
Our job is to:
Educate citizens on where American aid actually goes and what we get in return.
Empower voters with the 2026 Midterms Tracker so they can hold every candidate accountable.
Choose leaders who put America First and demand real value for every taxpayer dollar.
The More You Know
A true ally returns value to the United States — in technology, intelligence, jobs, and security. When we spend more on alliances that deliver little or nothing while criticizing partnerships that deliver measurable benefits, the American people lose. Transparency and results must guide every foreign aid decision. The contrast between Israel (clear, measurable, and ongoing ROI) versus NATO, Ukraine, and to a lesser extent Egypt and some Gulf states (questionable or zero return) is now impossible to ignore.
Call to Action
The future of our children is at stake.
If you believe American tax dollars should deliver real returns for American families — and that we should support allies who actually strengthen us — now is the time to act.
Join the National American Citizen Association today.
Become part of a growing movement of informed patriots who are taking back the power to decide America’s future.
→ Register Now at nacagroup.org/register
America First. Constitution Only.
Secure Their Tomorrow — together.
