Trump has shocked both Republicans and Democrats ahead of the Presidential election by claiming he would “encourage” Russia to invade a top NATO country for not providing enough financial aid to Ukraine.
Republican Outcry Against Trump’s NATO Stance
Many Republicans are now distancing themselves from Donald Trump’s recent NATO remarks, criticizing him for not vowing to protect them in the event of a Russian attack similar to the one in Ukraine.
Trump to “Encourage” Russian Invasion
Trump said in a rally that a President of a major ally country asked him if he would defend them as President of the United States, to which Trump said he would not.
Shocking the world, Trump even noted that he would “Encourage” any attempt at an invasion of the President’s country.
Trump’s Claims
“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?’”
Trump asked the crowd in South Carolina, to which he claimed he responded, “No, I would not protect you.”
Nikki Haley’s Opposition
Potential 2024 candidate Nikki Haley has made it public that she believes a win for Russia is detrimental to the U.S. and its allies, “The last thing we ever want to do is side with Russia,” she said.
“Don’t Take Putin’s Side,” Haley Warns
Haley urged Trump not to take the President of Russia’s side, “Don’t take the side of someone who has gone and invaded a country and half a million people have died or been wounded because of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” she said.
Chris Christie’s Critique
Former presidential candidate Chris Christie asserted that Trump’s stance makes him “unfit to be president of the United States,” despite Trump’s lead in the Republican candidacy ahead of a potential Biden V Trump election campaign.
Trump’s Rally Complaints
At a South Carolina rally, Trump slammed ally NATO countries as “delinquent,” accusing them of not doing enough to aid Ukraine.
Therefore, according to him, they would not deserve U.S. support in the event of an invasion.
White House Rebuke
The White House labeled Trump’s comments as “appalling and unhinged,” distancing itself from the former president’s stance.
Trump “Would Not” Protect Allies
“No, I would not protect you,” Trump told the crowd, alleging what he said to the President, “In fact I would encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay,” he shouted.
Ally Country’s Response
The President of Poland was appalled by Trump’s comments, arguing, “These are the words of a serious candidate for president, so they should be treated seriously.”
The President of Poland did agree with part of Trump’s comments, “He correctly calls on member countries to spend more on defense, but he also calls on Russia to attack. This is completely incomprehensible,” he said.
Tensions Within NATO
NATO’s 31 members have a longstanding feud with the United States, with only 11 meeting the 2% GDP target, prompting Trump to shout the words “you gotta pay” at the rally.
NATO’s Response
The NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenburg was also shocked by the comments, saying, “Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security,” Stoltenburg said, “including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk.”
NATO Urges U.S. to Remain a Strong Ally
Stoltenburg took the chance to encourage the U.S. to be more of an ally in these unprecedented times, “I expect the U.S. to remain a strong and devoted ally of NATO, whoever wins the presidential election.”
NATO Warning of Russian Aggression
“If Putin wins in Ukraine,” Stoltenburg warned, “there is no guarantee that Russian aggression will not spread to other countries,” suggesting that the U.S. needs to stand by its allies, “We have to prepare ourselves for a confrontation that could last decades,” he continued.
Rand Paul’s Critique
Republican Senator Rand Paul deemed Trump’s remarks “a stupid thing to say,” adding him to a growing list of Republicans who disagreed with Trump’s comments.
However, some Republicans tried to defend the former President’s encouragement of a Russian invasion.
Marco Rubio’s Defense
Senator Marco Rubio downplayed his concerns, stating that Presidents before Trump “at some point, in some way,” criticized NATO countries for “not doing enough,” and insisted that “Trump’s just the first one to express it in these terms.”
Trump’s Experience is Rubio’s Reason
Rubio claimed that due to Trump’s experience as President, he hasn’t taken the comments in a negative light, “I have zero concern,” he said, “because he’s been president before.”
Jason Miller’s Evasive Response
Senior Trump campaign advisor Jason Miller sidesteps the encouragement of Russia, focusing on past achievements and attacking Biden.
Democrats’ Response
According to Democratic Senator Peter Welch, the former President “normalizes belligerent behavior. But in fact he means it,” issuing a warning to voters.
Election on the Cards
Trump has taken a risky route ahead of the election, and now the world watches to see if American voters will put their loyalty to Trump over the world’s security.
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