In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, former US President Donald Trump allegedly told European leaders he would encourage Russia to attack NATO member states that fail to meet defence spending targets.
The bombshell claim, reported by The Independent, suggests Trump told participants at a meeting that he would give Vladimir Putin "free rein" to do whatever he wanted to NATO countries not paying their way.
"I'd Encourage Them to Do Whatever the Hell They Want"
According to sources familiar with the matter, Trump made the inflammatory comments during discussions about NATO's defence spending requirements. The former president reportedly stated he would not come to the aid of European allies facing Russian aggression if they hadn't met the 2% of GDP spending target agreed by all NATO members.
Even more alarmingly, Trump allegedly told European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen that he would actively encourage Russia to invade such nations, declaring: "I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want."
Putin's Renewed Assault on Ukraine
The revelation comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, with recent strikes hitting Kyiv and Kharkiv using advanced weaponry including Tomahawk missiles. The timing raises serious concerns about how a potential second Trump administration might approach the ongoing conflict and America's NATO commitments.
European leaders have expressed deep concern about these comments, particularly given Trump's strong position in the Republican presidential primary race. The prospect of his return to the White House is causing significant anxiety among NATO allies who rely on American security guarantees.
What This Means for European Security
The implications of Trump's alleged statements are profound:
- Undermining Article 5: The core NATO principle of collective defence could be severely weakened
- Empowering Putin: Russia may feel emboldened to test NATO's resolve
- European rearmament: Countries may accelerate military spending increases
- Strategic uncertainty: The entire transatlantic security framework faces potential disruption
As the war in Ukraine continues and American political uncertainty grows, European nations are facing the sobering reality that their primary security guarantor might soon be led by someone openly hostile to the alliance's fundamental principles.
