Trump threatens NATO members with Russian aggression if they don't 'pay up'
Donald Trump, former President of the United States of America (Photo: Getty Images)
Donald Trump, during his presidency of the United States of America (USA), threatened NATO member countries with encouraging Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" with them if they fail to fulfill their financial obligations to the Alliance, according to BBC.
During a rally in South Carolina, Trump stated that NATO, before his presidency, was allegedly bankrupt. In particular, he refused to defend allies from a theoretical threat if they refused to pay their "bills."
He noted that once "one of the presidents of a great country" asked him whether the US, as before, would defend them from Russian aggression if they "don't pay."
"No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You've got to pay. You got to pay your bills," Trump said.
NATO's foundation is based on the principle of collective defense, under which an attack on one ally is considered an attack on all members of the Alliance.
No "bills" in NATO
For many years, Trump has inaccurately described NATO's funding system. Member countries strive to spend at least 2% of GDP on military expenditures, and most countries do not meet this target.
The agency explained that 2 percent is considered only an indicative indicator, and there are no 'bills' that some Alliance members do not pay.
White House reaction
The White House, in turn, called Trump's words "appalling and unhinged." In particular, it reminded of the efforts of the current president, Joe Biden, to strengthen NATO.
US Presidential election
The presidential election in the United States is scheduled for November 5, 2024. According to forecasts, the main candidate from the Democrats will be the incumbent American leader, Joe Biden. Among the Republicans, besides Donald Trump, the favorite is the former US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley.
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that if former US President Donald Trump wins in the upcoming elections, there will definitely be a different policy towards Ukraine. At the same time, the president is convinced of further support from the US in case of Trump's victory.
