Columbia, South Carolina – Former President Donald Trump caused controversy during a rally when he suggested that he would “encourage” Russia to attack any NATO member that fails to pay its bills. The comments have sparked criticism and condemnation from both the White House and members of the NATO alliance.
During the rally, Trump recounted a hypothetical scenario in which a leader of a NATO member country asked if the US would come to their aid if they were under attack from Russia. Trump reportedly responded by saying he would not protect a nation behind on its payments and would “encourage” the aggressors to “do whatever the hell they want.”
The White House swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them “appalling and unhinged” while also highlighting the United States’ commitment to defend any NATO member that gets attacked. Trump’s longstanding criticism of NATO and his views on its financial burden on the United States have brought this issue into the spotlight once again.
Furthermore, Trump’s comments come amidst tensions with Russia, particularly given the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and continued scrutiny over US financial support for Ukraine. Trump’s stance on NATO and his approach to international relations continue to be significant topics of debate as he remains a prominent figure in the Republican party.