White House: Trump’s words about refusing to help NATO when “attacked by Russia” are appalling

Former US leader Donald Trump has said that the US would not protect NATO allies who do not meet the alliance’s defence spending requirements from a hypothetical Russian attack. The White House found his remarks appalling.

A statement to this effect was made by White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates. He noted that “encouraging incursions” into the territory of the US’ closest allies is “appalling and insane”.

“And it jeopardises American national security, global stability and our economy at home,” The Guardian quoted Bates as saying.

Earlier, Trump made a proposal to transfer all aid to foreign countries in the format of loans. His words were voiced against the background of the discussion of the bill on aid to Ukraine.