Trump threatens to incite Russia against non‑paying NATO members, draws White House criticism
In a rally at Conway, South Carolina, Donald Trump claimed that NATO was "damaged" even before his presidency in the United States. He asserted that every ally "must contribute" 2 percent of their GDP towards defense.
During the political rally, Trump recalled a conversation with a NATO head of state without naming him. He recounted that the leader questioned whether the U.S. president would rescue them if they failed to spend adequately on defense and incurred a Russian invasion.
- No, I wouldn't safeguard you. I would instigate them (the Russians) to act as they please. You must contribute, you have to fulfil your financial obligations - Trump stated.
The White House retaliates
The White House swiftly reacted to Trump's comments. "President Biden has revived our alliances, enhancing our global standing because he understands that every leader's primary duty is to ensure the safety of American citizens (...). Inspiring murderous regimes to conquer our closest allies is dreadful and irrational, and it endangers American security, global stability, and our economy," asserted spokesman Andrew Bates.
In 2014, to respond to Russia's annexation of Crimea, NATO countries pledged to surpass their defense expenditure to 2 percent of GDP by 2024. As reported by "The Guardian," a mere seven of the 31 countries reached the targeted aim in 2022. Nevertheless, the situation changed rapidly following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Online users respond: "This is not amusing, rather terrifying"
Trump's statement triggered a torrent of responses online.
"This is insanity. Eight years later, Trump still demonstrates his lack of understanding of how NATO operates!" expressed Michael McFaul, an American academic and diplomat.
CNN emphasizes that the 2 percent of GDP is not a legal obligation but rather a "commitment to contribute." According to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, an assault on even one NATO member is interpreted as an attack on the entirety of the Alliance.
Trump has consistently criticised NATO. According to "The New York Times", he privately threatened in 2018 to withdraw the United States from the Alliance.
