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Former President Donald Trump suggested European countries might not come to their aid if attacked by Russia, and even suggested he might “encourage” the Russians to “do whatever they want” This once again fueled concerns about the future of NATO.
President Trump said Saturday at a campaign rally in Conway, South Carolina, that if he is re-elected, his decisions would be based on whether NATO members are contributing enough to the foundational alliance. The former president said he made that very point at an international conference held during his presidency.
“One of the presidents of a great country stood up and said, ‘If we don’t pay and Russia attacks, will you protect us?’ I said, ‘You didn’t pay. Is that so?” Are you in arrears? ” He said, “Yes, let’s say that happened.” No, I won’t protect you. ”
Trump added: “In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever they want.”
Trump’s regular threats have infuriated foreign policy analysts who believe he will destroy NATO if elected to a second term. Critics of the former president say Trump is attacking NATO as a show of support for another longtime rival in the European military alliance, Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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The NATO Charter requires member states to come to the aid of others in the event of attack. NATO invoked this provision to assist the United States after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Members of this international organization, founded after World War II, do not pay dues themselves. They are using a budget formula that President Trump has repeatedly mischaracterized over his years in public life.
NATO member states are required to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense. Not all member states have met this goal, prompting President Trump’s criticism of the alliance.
The Biden administration immediately condemned President Trump’s recent comments regarding NATO. “Encouraging a brutal regime to invade its closest ally is appalling and unparalleled,” White House press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement.
“It puts our national security, global stability, and our domestic economy at risk,” he said.
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