[Mariner]

Without regard to what Russia says, this is a bad idea.

For the entirety of the Cold War there were no US Troops in Norway.

Norway spend 1/3 - 1/4 percent of GDP on their own defense, instead of the 2% requirement in NATO.

The US has no interests in Norway.

[drop 50 and fire for effect]

“For the entirety of the Cold War there were no US Troops in Norway.”

This assertion is incorrect, U.S. Marines routinely trained in Norway during the Cold War. The Marines will be on a semi-permanent rotation to Norway which has plenty of challenging terrain in which to conduct tactical training,

“The US has no interests in Norway.”

Again incorrect.

Norway sits adjacent to routes Russian warships and military aircraft, to include submarines, must take to reach the open ocean. This is critical to protecting our lines of communication with Europe during a crisis.

It is also a longstanding ally of the U.S. with whom we have a binding mutual defense treaty relationship.