Trump stands firm despite controversy over NATO comments

Former President Donald Trump has defended his record on NATO, stating that he made it “strong” despite recent controversy over his comments.

Trump faced criticism for suggesting that he would “encourage” Russia to attack NATO members who did not fulfill their financial obligations during a speech on Saturday.

On Truth Social, Trump asserted that he had strengthened NATO and pressured 20 countries to increase their contributions to the organization for US military protection.

Trump has consistently criticized NATO, alleging that Western allies rely too heavily on the US for defense. NATO countries are requested to spend 2% of their GDP on defense, but failing to meet this benchmark does not result in financial penalties according to NATO’s founding treaty.

During a campaign rally, Trump recounted a conversation with a NATO leader who asked if the US would protect their country if they were attacked by Russia, to which Trump responded that they would not be protected if they had not made their payments.

President Joe Biden condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them “appalling and dangerous” and accusing Trump of giving Russian leader Vladimir Putin “a greenlight for more war and violence.”

Despite criticism, many Republicans have defended Trump’s comments, with Senator Lindsey Graham stating that Trump’s words were intended to pressure countries to contribute to NATO.

Trump’s comments come after Senate Republicans rejected a bipartisan bill that included funding for Ukraine and Israel, as well as reforms for the US-Mexico border. A separate foreign aid package that included support for Kyiv passed a key Senate vote, but is expected to be blocked by Republicans.