Trump Suggests Encouraging Russia to Target NATO Allies Over Unpaid Dues

Donald Trump has expressed his stance on NATO’s financial commitments by suggesting he would “encourage” Russia to attack any member nation failing to meet its financial obligations within the alliance.

Speaking at a rally, Trump recounted a scenario where he allegedly told a NATO leader that if their nation fell behind on payments, he wouldn’t intervene in the event of a Russian attack but rather “encourage” the aggressors to act without restraint.

NATO members pledge to defend each other in the event of an attack.

The White House swiftly condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as “appalling and unhinged.”

During the rally in South Carolina, Trump recounted a discussion among NATO leaders where a hypothetical situation was presented: a member nation facing a Russian attack due to financial delinquency.

Trump claimed he responded by questioning the nation’s payment status and indicated a lack of willingness to offer protection without payment.

A White House spokesperson criticized Trump’s comments, alleging that he was advocating for the invasion of allied nations by hostile regimes, and expressed concern about the impact on national security and global stability.

Trump, who remains a front-runner for the Republican presidential candidacy, has persistently criticized NATO, arguing that the U.S. shoulders an unfair financial burden in guaranteeing the defense of other member nations.

Notably, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 after Trump’s presidency, and Trump has since voiced discontent over the substantial U.S. financial aid sent to Ukraine, a non-NATO member.

Despite significant U.S. financial support to Ukraine, congressional Republicans have recently blocked new funding, linking it to demands regarding border security measures. Trump applauded this rejection during the rally, condemning President Biden’s proposals.

The aid money issue has now been separated from the border security debate, allowing senators to discuss it independently.