Former US President Donald Trump has made it clear that if he returns to the White House, the US would not leave NATO as long as Europe makes its contribution to the military alliance.
In an interview with the right-wing British broadcaster GB News, the Republican was asked by presenter and Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage about his stance on the defense alliance. Farage wanted to know whether America would stay in NATO if the other member states “played fairly.” Trump replied: “Yes. 100 percent.” However, European countries should not take advantage of American support, Trump said. “The United States should pay its fair share, not everyone else’s.” One should not forget that NATO is more important for Europe than for the USA, because there is “a beautiful, big, wonderful ocean” between the USA and “some problems” in Europe.
Trump is a proven critic of NATO. During his term in office from 2017 to 2021, Trump repeatedly openly threatened to withdraw the USA from the alliance. He sharply criticized his members for not meeting the defense spending target. Like no one before, he raised doubts about whether the transatlantic defense alliance founded in 1949 had a future. For example, he repeatedly questioned whether the USA would fulfill its obligation to provide military assistance in an emergency. In this respect, it is questionable how seriously his current statements should be taken.
It was only in February that the Republican presidential candidate caused a stir with a statement about NATO at a campaign event. He said he would not provide protection from Russia to NATO partners who do not meet their financial obligations. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reacted clearly: “Any suggestion that the allies will not defend each other undermines our entire security, including that of the USA, and increases the risk for American and European soldiers.”