After former President Donald Trump raised concerns about NATO’s survival during a campaign visit Saturday, NATO’s secretary general sent an alert to world leaders.
Let’s read the news and find out more.
NATO chief says Trump’s threats put his troops at risk
At a rally in South Carolina, Trump attacked NATO members for failing to achieve specific goals.
NATO Members must spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense, and the former president has often singled out countries that fail to meet that threshold.
However, on Saturday, Trump recounted an alleged conversation he had while in office with one of the great country’s presidents.
Trump said this president asked him, “Well, sir, if we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?” »
To which Trump said he responded, “You didn’t pay?” Are you a delinquent? He added: “Yes, let’s say that happened. No, I won’t protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever they want.
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Following the former president’s remarks, many Republicans immediately responded by expressing their displeasure with Trump’s remarks.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement Sunday that Trump’s attack could endanger both civilians and military personnel.
Stoltenberg said: “Any suggestion that allies will not defend themselves undermines our entire security, including that of the United States, and places American and European soldiers at increased risk. »
He added: “I hope that whoever wins the presidential election, the United States remains a strong and committed ally in NATO. »
As stated in its charter, NATO members must defend those who are attacked.
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I’m watching this, Republican senator Thomas Tillis accused Trump aides of neglecting to inform the former president that the United States is obligated, as a member of NATO, to protect any member of the alliance that is attacked.
Most of the criticism of Trump’s recent remarks has come from within the country.
In a statement released during his re-election campaign, President Joe Biden said: “If my opponent, Donald Trump, is able to return to power, he is making it clear that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and will allow Russia to ‘do whatever they want with them,’
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is challenging Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination, said that while NATO members must do their part, Trump’s criticism of regarding the organization are useless. Haley told Fox News that Trump’s remarks “put every service 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, with a guy who imprisoned Evan Gershkovich for being a journalist, with the one who has said nothing about the fact that he wants to destroy. America,”
While lashing out at Trump, Haley said, “And you’re going to side with a thug like that? What are we doing in America?
According to many European leaders, Trump has long maintained this threatening stance towards the transatlantic alliance.
Charles-Michel, the president of the European Council, claimed on the social networking site X, formerly Twitter, that “reckless statements” about NATO security “only serve Putin’s interests.” They do not bring more security or peace to the world. »
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