Former President Donald Trump has on several occasions expressed harsh criticism of NATO and the countries that do not meet the defense alliance’s goal of spending two percent of GDP on defense.
At a meeting in North Carolina yesterday, Trump claimed that a president of “a great country” asked him if the United States would come to their aid in the event of a Russian attack, writes, among other things Politico.
– No, I would not have defended you, Trump said he replied, adding:
– In fact, I had urged them to do whatever the hell they want. You must pay.
Poland: Playing with our security
After the statement, the White House quickly came out with a condemnation of Trump.
“Encouraging murderous regimes to invade our closest allies is repugnant, deranged, and endangers America’s national security, global stability, and our economy,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a press release.
Even Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary General, reacts.
– NATO stands ready to defend all allies. Any attack on NATO will be met with a united and forceful response. I assume that the United States, regardless of who wins the presidential election, will remain a strong and dedicated NATO ally, he told several Norwegian media.
According to Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Trump is undermining both NATO’s credibility and strength.
– No election campaign is an excuse to play with the security of the alliance, he signs X.
