Trump hints at possible NATO exit if allies don't meet defense spending demands
Donald Trump has once again implied that should he return to the presidency, the US might consider exiting NATO. He outlined the conditions that would prevent this outcome.
In a discussion with Nigel Farage, a prominent figure in the Brexit movement, on the GB News channel, Trump criticised European Union nations for "benefiting" and urged them to meet their "fair share of defense spending" to ensure continued US backing.
- The United States will stay in NATO provided European countries treat America fairly, he asserted.
During the chat, Farage revisited Trump's contentious remarks about encouraging Russia to "do whatever it wishes" with other NATO nations that don't meet their financial commitments to the Alliance.
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- What I'm advocating for is a negotiation tactic. Why should we defend these wealthy countries? - he questioned. - Just so you know, since making that statement, a significant amount of funds have been contributed to NATO - he informed his interviewer.
Trump took credit for bolstering the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. - Because of me, NATO has strengthened. Now, it's time for NATO to treat the US fairly because without the United States, NATO wouldn't exist - the former president contended.
When questioned about Poland, Trump gives a definitive response
Nigel Farage directly questioned Trump: if NATO members increase their defense spending, will the United States under his command "safeguard nations like Poland"?
- Yes. But the United States should only pay its fair share, not cover for everyone else. I believe at one point, the US was footing 90 percent of NATO's bills, which could have even reached 100 percent. That was utterly unfair - he claimed.
Responding to whether "the US will support NATO if other member countries start playing fair," Trump replied: "Absolutely, 100 percent".
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Source: PAP
