Former Florida congressman David Jolly, who served as a Republican in the House but later left the party, is facing increased scrutiny over former President Trump’s recent comments regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He accused him of being an apologist for the president.
“I think there is a unique sense of shame.” [Rep.] mike turner [R-Ohio], [Sen.] Tim Scott [R-S.C.], [Sen.] lindsay graham [R-S.C.] And others are making this kind of apology for their own political gain.From Graham to Scott to Mike Turner, they did a very good job of putting a faceplate on Donald Trump’s knee. [Rep.] Elise Stefanik [R-N.Y.]… Name it,” Jolie said Monday in an interview on MSNBC’s “Deadline: The White House.”
The Hill has reached out to Turner, Scott, Graham and Stefanik’s offices for further comment.
President Trump has recently faced growing backlash over his claims that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO allies that have no economic weight with respect to the alliance’s defense spending goals.
The former president told a story at a Feb. 11 campaign rally when he was questioned by a foreign leader about threatening not to protect member states that did not meet the alliance’s defense spending goals.
“You didn’t pay?” Trump said. “You’re a delinquent. No, I won’t protect you. In fact, I’d encourage them to do whatever they want. You have to pay your bills. No need.”
The remarks further fueled concerns about what President Trump’s second term in the White House would mean for America’s European allies.
Some of Mr. Trump’s allies have largely ignored the concerns.
Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, defended his comments Sunday, arguing that the former president’s comments at the rally did not reflect his “actual policy.”
Scott, who put his White House bid on hold last fall, denied Trump’s comments in response to a question on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. The South Carolina Republican instead focused on President Biden, claiming he is “dragging his feet.”
Graham also said Sunday he supported the former president’s call to have alliance members contribute what would be considered their fair share.
Jolie said Monday that the current Republican Party does not consider Russia to be an “enemy state.”
“I don’t think they see Vladimir Putin as uniquely evil, but it’s a turning point from Republican orthodoxy,” Joly said. “And what’s so appealing about that, and it’s worrisome, is that if the Republicans come to power, or if the Republicans come to power, for the United States and the West, it’s no longer Donald Trump. I certainly think there’s a national security interest in not seeing Trump as an adversary and not seeing Vladimir Putin as an adversary.”Donald Trump will end up in the White House. ”
“The other side of the coin is accepting American weakness,” he said, later adding, “Today’s Republican Party accepts American weakness. They turn a blind eye and Vladimir -It’s okay to give Putin and Russia fairness.” And that’s not just a cornerstone of legitimacy, it’s a new chapter in republicanism. ”
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
