Western officials criticise Trump’s NATO comments

PARIS - US President Joe Biden and top western officials criticized former president Donald Trump on Sunday after he suggested the United States might not protect NATO allies who aren’t spending enough on defence from a potential Russian invasion.

“America’s leadership on the world stage and support for our allies is critical to keeping the American people safe here at home,” said Mr Biden in a statement.

“If my opponent, Donald Trump, is able to regain power, he is making it clear as day that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want’ with them.”

Mr Trump, speaking during a political rally in South Carolina and appearing to recount a meeting with NATO leaders, quoted the president of “a big country” that he did not name as asking, “Well sir, if we don’t pay, and we’re attacked by Russia - will you protect us?”

“I said: ‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’ He said: ‘Yes, let’s say that happened.’ No I would not protect you. In fact I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.”

NATO’s 31 members have agreed on a target of spending at least 2 per cent of gross domestic product on defence, but NATO estimates have shown that only 11 are spending that much.

His comments drew a swift rebuke from NATO and US allies.

“Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk”, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a written statement.

“Any attack on NATO will be met with a united and forceful response,” he added, reacting to remarks on Saturday by Mr Trump, who is likely to be the Republican nominee in this year’s US presidential election.