NATO? NATO Jenkins? No, the continent’s leading public officials are not talking about Mitch Gilliam’s fictional acquaintance, but they are talking recent statements that former President Donald Trump has made about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). More specifically, the former President said he wouldn’t commit to protecting NATO members if they were attacked by Russia and didn’t financially contribute to the organization.
“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?’ He said, ‘Yes, let’s say that happened.’ No, I would not protect you,” he told a crowd in South Carolina.
“In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.”
President Joe Biden caught wind of Trump’s comments and issued a response. In his words, Trump is “making it clear as day that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks.”
“If my 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 allow Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want’ with them,” Biden said.
Now, it appears Biden’s former running mate, Barack Obama is also put off by Trump’s recent statement.
“President Biden is absolutely right,” Obama tweeted.
“The last thing we need right now is a world that is more chaotic and less secure; where dictators feel emboldened and our allies wonder if they can count on us. Let’s keep moving forward.”
