The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown Jr., on Monday acknowledged former President Trump’s recent comments that he once threatened to “encourage” Russian aggression if they did not commit sufficient resources to NATO allies. When asked about this, he said the country’s credibility was at stake. collective self-defense.
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.
brown, on the way Interview Lester Holt An NBC Nightly News reporter said he reassured NATO allies that the United States supports the alliance and that they are receptive.
“We have strong alliances. This year is the 75th anniversary of NATO, and I think we have a responsibility to preserve these alliances,” he said in an interview on “NBC Nightly News” on Monday. . “America’s credibility is at stake for each of our alliances, and American leadership remains needed, sought after, and seen.”
“And the steps we take to support these alliances are important, not just NATO, but really the other alliances that we have around the world,” he added.
President Biden also condemned the comments Sunday, calling them “appalling and dangerous.”
“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.
“unfortunately, [the comments] “And when he returns to the Oval Office, you can expect to hear from someone who promises to rule as the kind of dictator he praised on day one.”
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.
The Trump campaign reinforced his comments in a post on Truth Social on Monday.
“There is no one they respect, and they demand far less pay than we do,” President Trump wrote of the alliance. “No, NATO must become equal now. If you ask nicely, they will do it. If not, America first!”
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
