Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell on Wednesday that former President Donald Trump was “right” that NATO countries need to spend more on their own defense.
During a campaign speech in South Carolina last month, President Trump told a country he would encourage Russia to do “whatever it wants” to NATO members that don’t meet defense spending guidelines. Yes, it was controversial.
“Nato was falling apart until I came along,” Trump said at the rally. “I said, ‘Everyone will pay.’ They said, ‘If we don’t pay, will you protect us?’ I said, “Absolutely not.” They couldn’t believe the answer. ”
President Trump later added, “No, I won’t protect you, but rather encourage you.” [Russia] to do whatever they want. Must be paid. you have to pay the bill. ”
Polish president urges NATO to increase spending, asks US to provide funding to Ukraine during White House visit
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said former President Donald Trump was right when he said European countries should pay more for their own defense. (MSNBC)
The former president has frequently criticized the amount of money other NATO members spend on defense compared to the United States. He has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the United States from NATO in the past.
“What do you say to Donald Trump, who actually said he would encourage Putin to go to NATO countries, countries that don’t pay their fair share?” Mitchell asked Sikorsky.
“Well, I hope it’s just flowery words,” said a Polish official. “He’s right. We should spend more in Europe. Poland prefers 3% of GDP. “We’re spending over $50 billion on defense,” part of the U.S. Defense Order. ”
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Former Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures during a campaign rally in Rome, Georgia, Saturday, March 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The MSNBC host also said it would be a “very close election,” noting that “Donald Trump is leading in the American polls,” adding, “The next U.S. president’s inauguration will have a significant impact on Poland’s security.” How concerned are you about what the implications will be?” And NATO?
“Poland wants to have good relations with the United States, no matter who is in charge of this country. President Biden is, of course, a transatlanticist. He voted to join NATO. But , the U.S. has to do with credibility. We’ll see when the U.S. says, “Ukraine will defend Kiev. If no action is taken, allies around the world will notice.” So I would like the United States to help the Ukrainians because they are protecting themselves and they just need the means to do so,” he said.
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FOX News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.
