President Joe Biden criticized former President Donald Trump’s recent comments on NATO, calling them “horrifying and dangerous.” Trump suggested at a South Carolina rally that Russia could be “encouraged” to attack NATO members for not meeting financial commitments, raising concerns about US commitment to the alliance if Trump wins in November.
Biden stated that Trump’s admission to giving Putin a “green light for more war and violence” is alarming. The former president recounted a NATO conversation, saying he wouldn’t protect non-paying allies.
Biden’s response followed warnings from the White House and international leaders, emphasizing the potential risk to NATO’s safety. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Trump’s remarks “undermine the security of all.”
A $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, addressing depleted arsenals and strategic concerns, will be debated in the US Senate next week. Nikki Haley, Trump’s primary Republican opponent, criticized his remarks, emphasizing not taking the side of a leader who invades countries. Haley and Trump have been at odds, with the former UN ambassador asserting that Trump lacks an understanding of military sacrifices.