As president, Donald Trump told NATO allies that the US would not defend those that do not meet the alliance’s defence spending requirements against a hypothetical Russian attack, CNN reports. White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates called Trump’s remarks an “encouragement of invasions” and a “threat” to the national security and economy of the United States.
Donald Trump, as US president, threatened NATO countries that the United States would not defend them in the event of a Russian attack if they did not honour their financial commitments to the alliance, CNN reported.
Trump, who is seeking the US presidential nomination from the Republican Party, spoke to his supporters in the state of South Carolina, where the primaries will be held on 24 February, and recalled one of his meetings with NATO leaders. He said the leader of a major country asked him if the US would protect them if they were attacked by, for example, Russia, if they failed to meet NATO’s defence spending target of 2% of GDP.
“No, I would not protect you, moreover, I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You have to pay,” the former president recalled his response. He did not specify when or where the conversation took place or which leader asked him such a question.
White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates took Trump’s words as “encouraging an invasion.” This, in his view, is “appalling” and puts “U.S. national security, global stability and the U.S. economy at risk.” Bates also praised President Joe Biden’s efforts to strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance.
As noted on the network’s website, Trump has for years inaccurately described how NATO funding works. The alliance has a target that each member spends a minimum of 2% of GDP on defence, and most countries fall short of that target. However, that figure is a benchmark, not a binding contract.