President Biden on Sunday slammed former President Donald Trump’s admission that he once threatened to “encourage” Russian aggression against a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally, calling his comments “appalling and dangerous.” did.
President Trump said he would “encourage” Russia to “do whatever it wants” to countries that are “delinquent” on North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) financial and military contributions, recalling remarks at a campaign rally on Saturday. ” he said.
Biden warned Sunday that a second term for Trump would destroy U.S. relationships abroad and embolden America’s enemies.
“If my adversary Donald Trump regains power, he will abandon NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to ‘do whatever they want’ to NATO allies. “I’m sure he will make it clear as soon as possible,” he said. statement.
“The role of commander-in-chief is the ultimate responsibility and one that should weigh heavily on those who hold this office,” he continued. “Donald Trump’s admission that he intends to give President Putin the go-ahead for more war and violence, to continue his brutal attacks on free Ukraine, and to expand his aggression against the peoples of Poland and the Baltic states. It’s horrifying and dangerous.”
“Sadly, you can also expect that when he returns to the Oval Office, he will come from someone who promises to rule as the kind of dictator he praised on day one,” he added.
Biden’s comments came after the White House accused Trump of being “unfazed” on Saturday night. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) also joked that Russian President Vladimir Putin “must be absolutely thrilled” by Trump’s words.
Republican rival Nikki Haley also criticized Trump’s comments, referring to Putin and warning the former president not to “side with the thugs.”
Haley added that she would “absolutely” support NATO if elected president.
“NATO has been a success story for the last 75 years,” she said in an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.
As president, Trump criticized NATO allies and repeatedly threatened to undermine the international defense alliance.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement on Sunday: “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines the overall security of our countries, including the United States, and puts American and European soldiers at risk.” said.
President Trump has similarly called on the US to halt foreign aid spending, including to Ukraine, raising concerns among Democrats and US allies in Europe.
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