Former President Donald Trump again stirred fears about the future of NATO by suggesting he might not come to the aid of European nations if they’re attacked by Russia − and might even “encourage” Russians “to do whatever the hell they want.”
Trump, during a campaign rally in Conway, South Carolina, on Saturday said his decision, if he’s elected again, would be based on whether NATO members are contributing enough to the foundational alliance. The former president said he made that very point during an international meeting that took place during his presidency.
“One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, ‘Well sir, if we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?’ I said, ‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’ He said, ‘Yes, let’s say that happened.’ No, I would not protect you.”
Trump then added: “In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.”
In a statement put out by his campaign, President Joe Biden said: “If my opponent, Donald Trump, is able to regain power, he is making it clear as day that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want’ with them.” He added that Trump’s comments are “predictable coming from a man who is promising to rule as a dictator like the ones he praises on day one if he returns to the Oval Office.”
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