Stoltenberg and White House criticize Trump over threats to NATO countries

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, commenting on Trump's statement, called it "horrible" and jeopardizing U.S. national security.

"Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged - and it endangers American national security, global stability, and our economy at home," Bates said.

The NATO Secretary General also reacted to Trump's statement. According to Stoltenberg, the idea that members of the defense alliance do not protect each other undermines common security. In addition, he said, such statements endanger the lives of American and European soldiers.

Trump's scandalous statement

Speaking at a rally in South Carolina, Trump, who is running for president of the United States, said that once "one of the presidents of a big country" asked him if the United States would continue to defend them from a Russian invasion if they did not contribute to NATO.

"No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them (Russians - ed.) to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills," Trump was quoted as saying.

The fact is that Trump misunderstands NATO's funding system. Member states aim to spend at least 2% of GDP on military spending, and most countries fall short of this goal. However, 2% is only considered a guideline, and there are no mandatory "bills" that Allies have to pay.

Elections in the United States

The U.S. presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. According to forecasts, the main Democratic candidate will be the current American leader Joe Biden.

As for the Republicans, in addition to Donald Trump, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is a favorite. At the moment, who will run for president from the Republicans is being decided in the internal party primaries.