Western Officials Criticize Trump’s NATO Remarks, Reports Reuters

PARIS (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden and leading Western officials expressed strong criticism of former President Donald Trump on Sunday after he indicated that the United States might not defend NATO allies who do not meet defense spending commitments in the event of a Russian invasion.

Biden emphasized the importance of American leadership globally and support for allies, stating, “America’s leadership on the world stage and support for our allies is critical to keeping the American people safe here at home.” He added, “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.”

During a political rally in South Carolina, Trump recounted a conversation he had with NATO leaders. He referenced an unidentified president of a “big country,” who posed the hypothetical question about being attacked by Russia without having met their financial obligations. Trump’s response suggested that he would not protect them and would instead encourage Russia’s actions, stating, “You gotta pay.”

While NATO’s 31 member nations have agreed on a goal of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense, only 11 members currently meet this target, according to NATO estimates.

Trump’s remarks prompted immediate backlash from NATO and U.S. allies. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg remarked that any suggestion allies would not defend each other undermines overall security, which includes that of the U.S., and increases the risk to American and European soldiers. He reaffirmed that any attack on NATO would elicit a unified and forceful response.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also responded, emphasizing that NATO’s motto “one for all, all for one” is a serious commitment. He stated that undermining the credibility of allied nations weakens the entire alliance and urged that electoral campaigns should not compromise the security of NATO.

Following Trump’s comments, Germany’s foreign ministry echoed the motto of solidarity with the message “One for all and all for one.” EU Council President Charles Michel criticized the reckless nature of Trump’s statements regarding NATO security, suggesting they served to benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Article 5 of the NATO treaty establishes that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, thus triggering collective self-defense. EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton also weighed in, recalling previous comments from Trump and referring to a past conversation with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen. He remarked that security cannot be treated casually based on election cycles, asserting the need for European Union leaders to enhance their military spending and capabilities.

Jason Miller, a senior campaign advisor for Trump, defended the former president by stating that Trump successfully pressured allies to increase their NATO spending. He criticized Biden for allowing allies to take advantage of U.S. taxpayers, asserting that not meeting defense spending obligations could lead to heightened conflicts.