Donald Trump Says He Once Urged Russia To Attack 'Delinquent' US Allies

In a recent rally in Conway, South Carolina, former President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on foreign aid and long-standing international alliances, particularly NATO.

Trump asserted that during his presidency, he warned NATO allies that he "would encourage" Russia to act freely against countries deemed "delinquent" in meeting defense spending targets, AP reports.

This revelation has triggered a wave of reactions, with NATO's leader expressing concerns over potential security risks and global leaders condemning Trump NATO remarks.

Speaking at the rally, Trump recounted a previous encounter with an unidentified NATO member who confronted him over his threat not to defend nations failing to meet the alliance's defense spending goals.

Trump went further this time, stating that he would "encourage" Russia to act as it wishes in such cases, emphasizing the importance of financial contributions to the alliance.

"'You didn't pay? You're delinquent?'" Trump recounted saying. "'No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.'"

Global Leaders Respond to Trump NATO Remarks

Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO chief, swiftly responded to Trump's comments, emphasizing that any attack on the alliance would face a "united and forceful response," The Guardian noted.

Stoltenberg expressed concern that Trump's suggestion, where NATO members failing to meet financial commitments could be left defenseless, undermines the security of both American and European forces.

He reaffirmed NATO's readiness to defend all its allies while expressing optimism that the United States would continue its commitment to the alliance, regardless of the presidential election outcome.

Global leaders condemned Trump NATO remarks, considering them a threat to NATO's solidarity. The White House labeled the comments as "appalling and unhinged."

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Polish defense minister, stressed that the principle of "one for all, all for one" was a firm commitment within NATO.

European Council President Charles Michel criticized Trump's "reckless statements," asserting that they only served the interests of Russia President Vladimir Putin and called for strengthening the European Union's strategic autonomy and defense capabilities.

EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton dismissed Trump's comments as nothing new, emphasizing the need for the EU to enhance its military spending and sovereignty.

He corrected Trump's account of the NATO meeting, clarifying that it was a discussion with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, not a female NATO leader, as Trump claimed.

Peter Ricketts, a member of the House of Lords and former permanent representative to NATO in Brussels, questioned the credibility of Trump's narrative, stating it was unlikely for a European country's president to make such a request.

Jan Lipavský, the Czech Republic's minister for foreign affairs, highlighted NATO's current strong position, emphasizing increased defense budgets and acquiring new capabilities to address contemporary threats.

GOP Senator Marco Rubio Defended Donald Trump

GOP Senator Marco Rubio defended Trump's comments, arguing that the former president's unconventional communication style needed interpretation, per CNN.

"That's not what happened, and that's not how I view that statement," the Florida Republican argued Sunday on State of the Union.

Rubio insisted that Trump did not actually withdraw the US from NATO during his presidency, despite private threats of withdrawal.

Rubio, who recently sponsored legislation requiring congressional approval for a NATO withdrawal, portrayed Trump's statements as reflections on an anecdote and claimed that other American presidents had similar concerns about alliance contributions.

Donald Trump's assertions about NATO funding were debunked, as the 2% of GDP spending guideline is not a binding contract, and member countries do not accumulate "bills."

Rubio defended Donald Trump NATO remarks, suggesting that the former president was recounting an anecdote from his presidency.

Rubio, who recently advocated for legislation requiring Congressional approval for a US withdrawal from NATO, stated that grievances about inadequate contributions to the alliance have been expressed by numerous American presidents.

"Trump's just the first one to express it in these terms," said Rubio, who is vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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