Advertisement
Trump’s call for Russia to invade Nato members ‘appalling and unhinged’, White House says
- Trump told a campaign rally that he would ‘encourage’ Moscow to attack members of the military alliance that had not met their financial obligations
- Both the White House and Nato’s chief have hit back at the Republican front runner’s remarks
4-MIN READ4-MIN
6
Donald Trump says he would “encourage” Russia to attack members of Nato who had not met their financial obligations, in an extreme broadside against the military alliance that the White House rejected as “appalling and unhinged”.
With US lawmakers debating new aid for Ukraine ahead of the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the former president and front runner for the Republican nomination has repeatedly said it was unfair to commit the United States to defending Nato’s 30 other member nations.
Speaking at a campaign rally in South Carolina on Saturday, Trump described a conversation with a fellow head of state at an unspecified Nato meeting.
No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want
“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?’ I said, ‘You didn’t pay, you’re delinquent?’”
Advertisement
“No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills.”
Trump’s remarks come after Senate Republicans on Wednesday rejected a bipartisan bill that would have included sorely needed new funding for Ukraine, plus aid for ally Israel, along with reforms to address the US-Mexico border crisis.
The White House hit back at Trump’s assertions, touting President Joe Biden’s efforts to bolster alliances around the globe.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x