After former President Donald Trump sparked concerns about NATO’s survival during a campaign visit on Saturday, the secretary general of NATO sent an alert to world leaders.
Let’s read the news and find out more.
NATO Leader Says Trump’s Alliance Threats Put Troops in Danger
During a rally in South Carolina, Trump attacked members of NATO who haven’t achieved specific objectives.
NATO members must devote a minimum of 2% of their GDP to defense, and the former president has frequently singled out countries that fall short of that threshold.
However, on Saturday, Trump recounted an alleged conversation he had while in office with one of the presidents of the big country.
Trump stated that he was asked by that president, ‘Well sir, if we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?'”
To which Trump stated he responded saying, ‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’ He added, “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.”
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Following the former president’s remarks, there was an immediate backlash by many Republicans who expressed their displeasure with Trump’s remark.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated in a statement on Sunday that Trump’s attack may put both civilians and military troops in danger.
Stoltenberg stated, “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk.”
He added, “I expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the U.S. will remain a strong and committed NATO ally.”
As mandated by its charter, members of NATO must defend others who are attacked.
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Taking a dig at that, Republican Senator Thom Tillis accused Trump’s aides of neglecting to inform the former president that the U.S. is obligated as a NATO member to protect any member of the alliance that comes under attack.
Most criticism of Trump’s recent remarks came from within the country.
In a statement released by his reelection campaign, President Joe Biden stated, “If my opponent, Donald Trump, is able to regain power, he is making it clear as day that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want’ with them,”
Former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley, who is challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, stated that while NATO members must do their share, Trump’s criticism of the organization is pointless. Haley told Fox News that Trump’s remarks “put every military member in danger” and “every country in danger.”
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She added, “The last thing you do is side with a guy who kills his opponents, side with a guy who has imprisoned Evan Gershkovich because he was a journalist, side with the guy who’s made no beef about the fact that he wants to destroy America,”
While taking a jab at Trump, Haley stated, “And you’re going to side with a thug like that? What are we doing in America?”
According to numerous European leaders, Trump has long maintained this menacing stance toward the transatlantic alliance.
Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, claimed on the social media site X, which was formerly Twitter, that “reckless statements” about NATO security “serve only Putin’s interest. They do not bring more security or peace to the world.”
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