Trump threats put troops at risk, NATO leader says
By: Marina Pitofsky
and David Jackson
USA Today
..... NATO's secretary-general issued a warning to leaders around the world of former President Donald Trump stirred fears about the future of the organization.
.....
At a South Carolina rally, Trump criticized countries in the international alliance that have not met certain goals. NATO members are asked to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense.
..... The former president has often targeted nations that haven't reached that bar. But on Saturday, [02/10/2024] Trump specifically recalled a conversation he claims he had when he was in office.
..... As per Trump's recollection, "one of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, "well sir, if we don't pay and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?"
..... Trump claimed that he responded, "No I would not protect you. Inf act, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want."
..... NATO's charter requires members to come to the aid of others if they are attacked.
..... The former president's comments immediately drew backlash. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement Sunday [02/11/2024] that Trump's remarks could endanger both civilians and troops.
..... "Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk," Stoltenberg said in a statement. "I expect that regardless of who winds the presidential election, the US will remain a strong and committed NATO ally."
..... In a statement release by President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, Biden said: "If any 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 allows Russia to 'do whatever the hell they want' with them."
..... Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who is running against Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, said Sunday [02/11/2024] that NATO has been "a success story for the last 75 years."
..... "Now we do want NATO allies to pull their weight," Haley told CBS. "But there are ways you can do that without sitting there and telling Russia, have your way with these countries."