In a recent rally in South Carolina, former President Donald Trump suggested that the US should “encourage” Russia to attack any Nato member that fails to pay its bills. This comes as a surprise, as Nato members specifically commit to defending each other should one of them come under attack. Trump recounted a conversation with a Nato leader who asked if the US would come to their aid in the event of an attack by Russia. He suggested that the US should not protect the nation if it has not met its financial obligations.
The White House has condemned these comments, calling them “appalling and unhinged.” They believe that these comments not only endanger American national security, but also global stability and the economy at home. Trump has been a long-time critic of Nato, claiming the US bears an excessive financial burden to guarantee the defense of 30 other nations.
During the same rally, Trump also took the opportunity to celebrate the rejection of President Biden’s proposals by Republicans in Congress. He criticized Biden’s measures to restrict migration into the United States and referred to them as “disastrous.” This declaration comes after Congress blocked all new funding for Ukraine earlier this year unless tougher measures to restrict migration were imposed, and then rejected the amended bill when it was presented.