SAM WOLFE / REUTERS
The former American president, however, did not return to his most virulent remarks, when he declared on Saturday that he “would encourage” Russia to attack NATO countries if they did not pay their share.
Donald Trump on Monday, February 12, brushed aside the numerous criticisms of his threats concerning NATO, ensuring that he had made the Atlantic Alliance “strong” under his mandate. The very likely Republican candidate for the American presidential election in November, however, did not return to his most virulent remarks, when he declared on Saturday that he “would encourage” Russia to attack NATO countries if they did not pay their share.
“I made NATO strong and even the radical left Democrats and fake Republicans admit that”said Donald Trump on his network, Truth Social. “When I told the 20 countries that weren’t paying their fair share that they had to pay or they wouldn’t get American protection, the money flowed.”he said. “But now that I’m no longer here to say “You must pay”here they go again”continued the former president.
“NATO must equalize, and now”
Donald Trump, who will likely face President Joe Biden in the election, regularly criticizes North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies for failing to meet their military spending commitments. The Republican was also critical on Monday of the sums released by the United States to help Ukraine, compared to its NATO partners. And this while a new envelope of 60 billion dollars for kyiv is being debated in the American Congress.
“We help Ukraine with more than $100 billion more than NATO”assured Donald Trump. “NATO must equalize, and now”, he demanded. “Otherwise, it will be America first!”launched the ex-businessman, in reference to the foreign policy doctrine of his mandate (2017-2021).