Donald Trump declared during the US election campaign that he would not protect defaulting NATO members from Russia, but would “even encourage” Putin. Biden reacted promptly.
Update from February 11th, 3:44 p.m.: After Donald Trump caused a stir with statements about NATO, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is now commenting on the ex-US President’s suggestions that he would not defend defaulting NATO allies in the event of re-election. “Any suggestion that allies will not defend themselves undermines our entire security, including that of the United States, and puts US soldiers and European soldiers at increased risk,” Stoltenberg said in Brussels on Sunday, sharply criticizing Trump.
Trump causes a stir with NATO statement – sharp criticism from the White House
This was preceded by Trump’s election campaign appearance, in which the Republican also encouraged the government in Moscow to do “whatever they want” (see first report). As a result, it was not only the White House that distanced itself from the statements: “Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and crazy,” said spokesman Andrew Bates on Saturday evening. Instead of calling for wars and promoting “deranged chaos,” US President Joe Biden will “continue to strengthen American leadership.”
Other responsible people in the USA also spoke out against the former US President’s position. “Trump simply doesn’t understand NATO or Russia, and he’s endangering all of Europe with this incredibly stupid statement,” said retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling. The soldier formerly served as chief of the US Army in Europe.
No help for NATO partners: Trump causes a stir during his election campaign appearance
First report from February 11th, 7:32 a.m.: Washington/Conway – Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says he would not grant protection from Russia to NATO partners who do not meet their financial obligations. The former US President said this on Saturday (February 10) at a campaign event in the US state of South Carolina.
Trump sends a clear message to NATO: “No, I wouldn’t protect you”
The “president of a great country” once asked him whether the USA would still protect this country from Russia even if it did not pay for defense spending, Trump said. He replied: “No, I wouldn’t protect you.” In fact, he would “even encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want.” It was unclear whether there was ever such a conversation between Trump and given to a head of state, because the Republican also said: “Let’s assume that’s what happened.”
Biden spokesman reacts immediately to Trump’s announcement about NATO and Russia
US President Joe Biden’s White House reacted immediately. “Encouraging attacks by a murderous regime on our closest allies is outrageous and completely insane,” spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement Saturday. “It endangers America’s national security, global stability and our domestic economy.”
During a recent visit to Washington, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg countered fears that the outcome of the US presidential election could endanger the future of NATO. Stoltenberg told the US broadcaster CNN at the end of January that he had worked with Trump for four years and listened to him carefully. Trump’s main criticism, that the allies are spending too little on NATO, has been received. They have significantly increased their defense spending in recent years.
Trump repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO
Trump, who ruled in the White House from 2017 to 2021, repeatedly threatened to withdraw the United States from the defense alliance. The Republican wants to be re-elected president in November and is fighting for his candidacy in his party’s primaries. Among other things, he advertises that he wants to continue a fundamental reassessment of NATO.
At the campaign rally in South Carolina, Trump also announced that he would deport people on a large scale. Irregular immigration is one of the dominant issues in the US election campaign. A frequently used argument on the Republican side is that taxpayers’ money should not be spent on protecting other countries – such as Ukraine – but on protecting their own borders.
NATO is already preparing for a possible new US President Trump: out of concern that Donald Trump will win the election, it is considering making military aid to Ukraine its task in the future. But the move could anger Russia. Meanwhile, Joe Biden’s health and his repeated misfires are alarming Speculation about Michelle Obama’s candidacy. (dpa/smu)