Donald Trump has said he would “encourage” Russia to attack any of the US’s Nato allies whom he considers to have not met their financial obligations. The Joe Biden White House immediately rebuked the former president’s comments, describing them as “appalling and unhinged” and warning that they endanger American national security, global stability, and the economy at home.
Jens Stoltenberg, Nato’s secretary-general, also condemned the remarks. “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk,” he said. Stoltenberg added that he expects the US to remain a strong and committed Nato ally regardless of who wins the presidential election.
Republican reactions were mixed. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie said it was right to tell Nato members to pay their dues, but that Trump’s specific threat to encourage Russia was “absolutely inappropriate”. Senator Marco Rubio downplayed the comments, saying Trump was telling a story and noting that he did not pull the US out of Nato. Political commentator Alyssa Farah Griffin said the remarks must have been “music” to Vladimir Putin’s ears.
Trump’s comments came as US senators debated a bill providing $60bn for Ukraine, $14bn for Israel, $9bn in humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank and Ukraine, and $4.8bn for Indo-Pacific allies. The bill faces opposition from Republicans who want it paired with measures to secure the US-Mexico border. In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested splitting the aid into separate bills.
Even before these remarks, European capitals were adjusting their expectations of US support in case of a second Trump presidency. Trump recalled telling an unnamed European head of state at a Nato meeting that the US would not defend countries that were “delinquent” in their payments.
