Donald Trump has sparked controversy among NATO countries, as Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg accuses the former US President of jeopardizing the organization's future. Trump's recent remarks at a campaign rally, where he proclaimed, "you don't pay, we don't protect you," have raised concerns about NATO's stability.
Stoltenberg issued a stern warning to global leaders following Trump's rally speech, expressing apprehension about the repercussions for NATO. Trump's criticism targeted certain NATO members allegedly failing to meet defense spending goals set by the organization.
During the rally in South Carolina, Trump emphasized NATO's expectation for member countries to allocate at least 2 percent of their GDP towards defense. He told a South Carolina rally that countries in the alliance were expected to spend at least 2 per cent of their GDP on defence.
Trump specifically recalled a conversation he claims to have had with the President of a country when he was in office, saying, “One of the Presidents of a big country stood up and said, ‘Well sir, if we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?’”
“You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent,” Trump had asked.
He said, “Yes, let’s say that happened.”
“No, I would not protect you,” Trump said, adding: “In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.”
The former President’s comments drew strong backlash, with Stoltenberg saying in a statement that Trump’s attack could endanger both civilians and troops.
“Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk,” Stoltenberg said in the statement, adding, “I expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the US will remain a strong and committed NATO ally.”
Trump's remarks prompted strong condemnation, with Stoltenberg emphasizing that any suggestion of allies withholding defense undermines collective security, endangering both civilians and military personnel. Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO's fundamental principle of mutual defense, irrespective of presidential administrations.
Criticism of Trump's stance extended beyond international circles, with President Joe Biden cautioning against the potential repercussions of Trump's approach if he were to regain power. Biden stressed the importance of upholding commitments to NATO allies, particularly in the face of Russian aggression.
Even within Republican ranks, voices of dissent emerged, notably from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a contender for the 2024 GOP nomination. While advocating for NATO members to fulfill their obligations, Haley criticized Trump's approach, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions without compromising NATO's integrity.
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