He didn't understand that he couldn't make deals with individual countries in the EU in his first term and badgered Merkel about it repeatedly despite being told. So he doesn't understand it, wilfully or otherwise ... but he's also surrounded himself with people that don't understand it either.
People like Trump don't use this type of talk to gain a better understanding or to communicate truth or ideas. They use it to get what they want, which is why his statements are jarring to people that pay any decent attention.
"The strait is fine" is to try to calm the stock market -- but -- "NATO needs to help the strait" is to get other people to fix his fuck up



Girls, remember to check with Isiaih (sp?) before you do anything to make sure he finds it cute first ...