WASHINGTON — On Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden, along with other high-ranking Western officials, expressed their disapproval of former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks. Trump had insinuated that the U.S. might not come to the aid of NATO allies who fail to meet their defense spending commitments in the event of a Russian invasion.
“Our leadership on the global stage and our unwavering support for our allies are crucial to ensuring the safety of the American people on our own soil,” Biden stated.
“If Trump manages to regain power, he’s making it abundantly clear that he won’t hesitate to abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks, essentially giving Russia free rein to ’do whatever the (expletive) they want’ with them,” Biden added.
During a political rally in South Carolina, Trump seemed to recall a conversation with NATO leaders. He quoted the president of an unnamed “big country” asking, “Well sir, if we don’t pay, and we’re attacked by Russia — will you protect us?”
Trump’s response was, “You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent? Yes, let’s say that happened. No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.”
Of NATO’s 31 members, all have agreed to a target of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense. However, NATO estimates reveal that only 11 members are currently meeting this target.
Trump’s comments were met with immediate condemnation from NATO and U.S. allies.
“Any insinuation that allies will not defend each other compromises all of our security, including that of the U.S., and places American and European soldiers in greater danger,” NATO Secretary Gen. Jens Stoltenberg stated.
“Any attack on NATO will be met with a united and forceful response,” he added, responding to Trump’s Saturday remarks. Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee in this year’s U.S. presidential election.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also chimed in.
“NATO’s motto ‘one for all, all for one’ is a tangible commitment. Undermining the credibility of allied countries equates to weakening the entire NATO,” he posted on social media platform X.
“No election campaign can justify jeopardizing the security of the alliance,” he added.
Following Trump’s comments, Germany’s foreign ministry posted the message “One for all and all for one” with the hashtag #StrongerTogether on its English language X account.
EU Council President Charles Michel stated, “Irresponsible comments on #NATO’s security and Art 5 solidarity only serve (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s interests.”
Article 5 of the NATO treaty stipulates that an armed attack against any alliance member will be considered an attack against all members, triggering collective self-defense.
EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, in an interview with France’s LCI television, referred to Trump’s comments, saying, “We have heard that before … Nothing new under the sun.”
“Perhaps he has memory issues. It was actually a female president, not of a country, but of the European Union,” Breton added, referring to a conversation between European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and Trump in 2020.
“We cannot gamble with our security every four years depending on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election,” Breton said, emphasizing that European Union leaders understand the need to increase their own military spending and capabilities.
“President Trump managed to get our allies to increase their NATO spending by insisting they pay their fair share, but Joe Biden reverted to allowing them to exploit the American taxpayer,” said Jason Miller, Trump’s senior campaign adviser.
“When you neglect your defense spending, you shouldn’t be surprised when you face more war,” Miller added.
Agree He needs to think before he speaks. His remarks only further divide the Western alliance.
Disagree NATO countries should focus on addressing their own shortcomings rather than criticizing Trump’s remarks.
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