Trump says he would 'encourage' Russia to attack Nato allies who do not pay their bills

[Social Media]

 

In a startling statement at a rally in South Carolina, former President Donald Trump declared that he would "encourage" Russia to attack any NATO member failing to meet its financial obligations within the alliance.

 

Recalling a hypothetical scenario presented by the leader of a "big country" during a NATO meeting, Trump recounted his response, indicating that if a nation was delinquent in its payments and came under attack from Moscow, he would not offer protection but instead urge the aggressors to act freely. This stance directly contravenes NATO's commitment to defend all member nations against external aggression.

 

The White House swiftly condemned Trump's remarks as "appalling and unhinged," emphasizing their potential to endanger American national security, global stability, and the domestic economy. Trump's tendency to criticize NATO's financial burden on the United States has long been known, with his skepticism towards the alliance dating back to his time in office.

 

While Russia's invasion of Ukraine occurred after Trump's presidency, he has continued to express dissatisfaction with the substantial financial aid provided by the US to Ukraine, a non-NATO member. Despite the significant assistance rendered to Ukraine, recent Republican opposition in Congress has stymied efforts to allocate new funding, with demands for stringent measures on immigration policy becoming a sticking point.

 

Trump's celebration of the rejection of President Biden's proposals regarding aid to Ukraine underscores the contentious nature of US foreign policy debates, particularly concerning the allocation of resources and priorities in international relations. As senators now navigate the issue of aid funding separately from immigration measures, the broader implications of Trump's rhetoric and its impact on US global standing remain subjects of concern and debate.

 

NATO Responds

 

Former President Donald Trump's recent remarks suggesting that the US would not protect NATO allies failing to meet defense spending targets have drawn sharp criticism from NATO's chief and President Joe Biden. Trump's comments, made during a rally in South Carolina, implied that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members not meeting the alliance's spending goals.

 

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's secretary-general, condemned Trump's remarks, stating that they undermine the security of all NATO members and put American and European soldiers at greater risk. President Biden described Trump's comments as "appalling and dangerous," suggesting they would give Russian President Vladimir Putin a "green light" for further aggression.

 

Trump's assertion comes amidst concerns about NATO members' defense spending, with many falling short of the alliance's target of 2% of GDP. However, Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO remains prepared to defend its members and will respond forcefully to any attack.

 

Trump's comments have sparked debate about the US commitment to NATO and its role in European security. Nikki Haley, Trump's Republican rival for the presidential nomination, warned against siding with Russia, describing Putin as a "thug who kills his opponents."

 

Trump's longstanding criticism of NATO and calls for burden-sharing reflect broader concerns in the US about the financial burden of guaranteeing the defense of other nations. However, experts warn that Trump's remarks risk damaging the unity of the NATO alliance, particularly at a time of heightened tensions with Russia.

 

The situation is further complicated by Russia's military aggression, including its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While the US has provided significant financial support to Ukraine, recent Republican opposition to new funding has created additional challenges.

 

Overall, Trump's comments have reignited debates about US foreign policy, NATO's role in European security, and the implications of Russian aggression in the region. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the future of US engagement with NATO and its allies remains uncertain.

 

 

12.01.24

Source

Source update

 

[Tug]

Guess Tucker brought trump’s marching orders ehh?as usual trump continues to be an asset to our enemies im godsmacked to see how perverted the GOP has become absolutely amazed!Eisenhower and Ronald Regan must be spinning in their graves

[thaibeachlovers]

LOL. Trump says something outrageous and the opposition has a tantrum.

 

He used to say "lock her up" and he didn't do that either.

 

IMO Trump is playing the anti Trumpers and the MSM for fools. He probably has a good laugh reading the rants that follow.

[sirineou]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

was delinquent in its payments and came under attack from Moscow, he would not offer protection but instead urge the aggressors to act freely.

Oh please please SCOTUS do not disqualified him , the floor needs mopping and donald has such a nice haircut for Biden to mop the floor with .

[Walker88]

14 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

LOL. Trump says something outrageous and the opposition has a tantrum.

 

He used to say "lock her up" and he didn't do that either.

 

IMO Trump is playing the anti Trumpers and the MSM for fools. He probably has a good laugh reading the rants that follow.

You think putin won't take that as an open invitation? You think trump would actually do anything---other than pull out of NATO---if putin attacked a NATO member? You think that sends a positive message to NATO allies and the world? Perhaps you get your jollies hearing about innocent deaths, like in Ukraine---oh, unless you think all Ukrainians are Nazis like many trumpers.

 

Incredible naivete.

[thaibeachlovers]

Just now, Walker88 said:

You think putin won't take that as an open invitation? You think trump would actually do anything---other than pull out of NATO---if putin attacked a NATO member? You think that sends a positive message to NATO allies and the world? Perhaps you get your jollies hearing about innocent deaths, like in Ukraine---oh, unless you think all Ukrainians are Nazis like many trumpers.

 

Incredible naivete.

I think you are writing a load of <deleted>.

[morrobay]

28 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

LOL. Trump says something outrageous and the opposition has a tantrum.

 

He used to say "lock her up" and he didn't do that either.

 

IMO Trump is playing the anti Trumpers and the MSM for fools. He probably has a good laugh reading the rants that follow.

Ho Ho Ho

[Chomper Higgot]

29 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

LOL. Trump says something outrageous and the opposition has a tantrum.

 

He used to say "lock her up" and he didn't do that either.

 

IMO Trump is playing the anti Trumpers and the MSM for fools. He probably has a good laugh reading the rants that follow.

Trump says something totally unhinged and extremely dangerous.

 

Trump supporters excuse it, or cheer him on for more.

[Chomper Higgot]

Once again Trump offers Putin exactly what Putin wants.

 

How many times do Trump and the Republicans have to deliver for Putin before it dawns on Trump’s supporters that their man is owned by Putin?

 

 

[Eric Loh]

44 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

LOL. Trump says something outrageous and the opposition has a tantrum.

 

He used to say "lock her up" and he didn't do that either.

 

IMO Trump is playing the anti Trumpers and the MSM for fools. He probably has a good laugh reading the rants that follow.

 
I had a good laugh at your post. Huge urge to troll.
 

[gargamon]

31 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I think you are writing a load of <deleted>.

why did you put <deleted> where you had truth? 

[JonnyF]

Strange comment from Trump.

 

I suspect he's just trolling the Libs. Seems to have worked. 

[thaicurious]

Trump said what?

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/06/09/donald-trump-unpaid-bills-republican-president-laswuits/85297274/

Hundreds allege Donald Trump doesn’t pay his bills

Donald Trump casts himself as a protector of workers and jobs, but a USA TODAY NETWORK investigation found hundreds of people – carpenters, dishwashers, painters, even his own lawyers – who say he didn’t pay them for their work.

 

https://newrepublic.com/post/173722/donald-trump-long-long-history-not-picking-check

Donald Trump Has a Long, Long History of Not Picking Up the Check

The former president loves leaving promises unfulfilled and bills unpaid.

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hundreds-claim-donald-trump-doesn-t-pay-his-bills-n589261

Retired piano dealer Michael Diehl says he has 30,000 reasons not to vote for Donald Trump for president.

The small businessman said he won a bid in 1989 to supply $100,000 worth of grand pianos to Trump's Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City but was still waiting to be paid months after delivery. The gambling mecca finally told him it ran into financial difficulties and could only give him 70 cents on the dollar.

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/15/trump-alleged-co-conspirators-never-got-paid-by-trump-team.html

Trump stiffed his alleged co-conspirators, whose false claims brought in $250 million

 

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/08/trump-rallies-unpaid-bills-039631

Unpaid bills pile up in Trump rallies’ wake

Cities across the country say the president’s campaign has failed to reimburse them for law enforcement costs.

 

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/06/trump-didnt-pay-his-bills-for-decades.html

Donald Trump Has a History of Not Paying His Bills. That Offers Some Insights Into His Personality.

 

Something about someone not paying their bills?

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

If Mr Trump decides to pull out of NATO then it leaves the other Treaty members with some significant decisions. They will have to decide whether to disband the alliance or to continue without America.

 

Militarily the alliance will of course be weaker without the USA, but still a potent force for the defence of it's European members, more so now it includes Finland and Sweden. Defence of the European democracies is it's core purpose.

 

It will however be freed from various (American attempts) to include the Alliance in it's various expeditionary wars, which were not the intention of forming the alliance.

 

It should also be born in mind that if the USA cuts NATO loose then it is also possible, probable, that NATO will cut the USA loose. The US has massive armed forces, geared to a large extent to an ability to project power worldwide, for it's own geo-political interests. That requires a great deal of "forward basing", for it's Navy and Air Force. Many of those bases are in NATO countries. Without them that ability to project power would be limited.

 

For sure, if you look at, for example, the Mediterranean. A nuclear powered carrier can cruise around the unlimited by fuel constraints, but it still requires fuel for its aircraft, food for its crews, places with facilities to go for maintenance and repairs, and a whole fleet of support shipping to keep it going. Take away the bases in Spain, Gibraltar , Italy and Greece, and the airbases in Italy, then that task becomes much more difficult.

 

 

Edited February 12 by herfiehandbag

[scottiejohn]

52 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I think you are writing a load of <deleted>.

I suggest that you are the person who is writing a load of rubbish!

[Tug]

59 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I think you are writing a load of <deleted>.

The word of the office of the presidency carry’s weight unlike yours that is just an opinion .trump has a possibility of becoming president that that’s very very serious trump just said (in a manner of speaking) he would let Europe go up in flames that sir is serious very serious you laugh it off I take it seriously as should any lucid human being 

[Eric Loh]

Much ado over nothing. Trump will not be the President and Nato will continue to exist. 

[Georgealbert]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

LOL. Trump says something outrageous and the opposition has a tantrum.

 

He used to say "lock her up" and he didn't do that either.

 

IMO Trump is playing the anti Trumpers and the MSM for fools. He probably has a good laugh reading the rants that follow.

You think trump is just playing people for fools? 
 

Sorry but you need to look in the mirror and you may recognise a clown. You really are in an alternative reality. That is what happens when the only opinion you listen to is your own.

 

I again remind you of you own post about you mental state!

Edited February 12 by Georgealbert

[scottiejohn]

6 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Trump will not be the President and Nato will continue to exist. 

I hope you are correct but what may happen if you are wrong?

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, scottiejohn said:

I hope you are correct but what may happen if you are wrong?

Probably a new world order with a coalition of evils like Russia, North Korea and China whom Trump greatly admired against the free world. Trump not doing himself any good with increasing divisive rhetoric. His MAGA supporters will applaud senselessly but the average voters will be appalled. It is still 9 months till election and I am expecting the hateful volume of rhetoric will increase and is not helping him win over the voters. 
 

[KhunBENQ]

Does Canada pay its bill? 🫣

[gargamon]

5 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Does Canada pay its bill? 🫣

No. 

[Eric Loh]

6 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Does Canada pay its bill? 🫣

Yes in direct funding. Canada is not meeting NATO military funding requirements. You are confused. 

[nauseus]

35 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Probably a new world order with a coalition of evils like Russia, North Korea and China whom Trump greatly admired against the free world. Trump not doing himself any good with increasing divisive rhetoric. His MAGA supporters will applaud senselessly but the average voters will be appalled. It is still 9 months till election and I am expecting the hateful volume of rhetoric will increase and is not helping him win over the voters. 
 

 

I don't concur with all of those comments but I do agree that Trump is not doing himself any favors by spouting off on this particular topic, in this way. So I'm not applauding. Trump's position on NATO member state defence budget obligations was made known well enough a few years ago - I understand that - but a statement like this is too bad, even if it's part of  a story from way back. 

 

Trump will stand more chance of winning if he talks less and lets Joe Biden take the lead for a while.

 

Edited February 12 by nauseus

[xylophone]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Recalling a hypothetical scenario presented by the leader of a "big country" during a NATO meeting, Trump recounted his response, indicating that if a nation was delinquent in its payments and came under attack from Moscow, he would not offer protection but instead urge the aggressors to act freely. This stance directly contravenes NATO's commitment to defend all member nations against external aggression.

 

The White House swiftly condemned Trump's remarks as "appalling and unhinged," emphasizing their potential to endanger American national security, global stability, and the domestic economy. Trump's tendency to criticize NATO's financial burden on the United States has long been known, with his skepticism towards the alliance dating back to his time in office

 

The orange blob is delusional, or should I say, is dumb, and to find out why, read the following: –

 

The scorn for Nato that Trump expresses is based on a false premise that he has repeated for years even after being corrected, a sign that he is either incapable of processing information that conflicts with an idée fixe in his head or willing to distort facts to suit his preferred narrative.

As he has many times, Trump castigated Nato partners that he called “delinquent” in paying for US protection. “You’ve got to pay,” he said. “You got to pay your bills.”

In fact, Nato partners do not pay the United States, as Trump implied. Nato members contribute to a common budget for civilian and military costs according to a formula based on national income and historically have met those obligations.

 

It's a wonder he hasn't asked them if he can buy Greenland! A dumbo par excellence.

[Seppius]

America screwed whichever way they vote this time

[rudi49jr]

1 hour ago, Seppius said:

America screwed whichever way they vote this time

Beg to differ. Joe Biden is not a strong president by any stretch of the imagination, but at least he has never professed any interest in becoming a dictator, pulling out of NATO, becoming best mates with Putin, Kim and suchlike, overturning the result of an election, going after everyone who has ever slighted him in the least, giving huge tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires, letting corporate America rule (i.e. destroy) the country or becoming the almighty sun king of the entire universe.

Give me a few minutes and I’m sure I can come up with at least 10 more very good reasons why it’s always better NOT to vote for Trump.

[spidermike007]

I've been saying for a long time that Trump is a very very dangerous man, yeah  just go ahead and attack our allies they're a little bit behind on their bills.

 

What can one even say? Sometimes I think shooting himself in the foot is just a natural reflex. 

[transam]

5 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

LOL. Trump says something outrageous and the opposition has a tantrum.

 

He used to say "lock her up" and he didn't do that either.

 

IMO Trump is playing the anti Trumpers and the MSM for fools. He probably has a good laugh reading the rants that follow.

Doubt it.....

[newnative]

4 hours ago, thaicurious said:

Trump said what?

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/06/09/donald-trump-unpaid-bills-republican-president-laswuits/85297274/

Hundreds allege Donald Trump doesn’t pay his bills

Donald Trump casts himself as a protector of workers and jobs, but a USA TODAY NETWORK investigation found hundreds of people – carpenters, dishwashers, painters, even his own lawyers – who say he didn’t pay them for their work.

 

https://newrepublic.com/post/173722/donald-trump-long-long-history-not-picking-check

Donald Trump Has a Long, Long History of Not Picking Up the Check

The former president loves leaving promises unfulfilled and bills unpaid.

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hundreds-claim-donald-trump-doesn-t-pay-his-bills-n589261

Retired piano dealer Michael Diehl says he has 30,000 reasons not to vote for Donald Trump for president.

The small businessman said he won a bid in 1989 to supply $100,000 worth of grand pianos to Trump's Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City but was still waiting to be paid months after delivery. The gambling mecca finally told him it ran into financial difficulties and could only give him 70 cents on the dollar.

 

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/15/trump-alleged-co-conspirators-never-got-paid-by-trump-team.html

Trump stiffed his alleged co-conspirators, whose false claims brought in $250 million

 

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/08/trump-rallies-unpaid-bills-039631

Unpaid bills pile up in Trump rallies’ wake

Cities across the country say the president’s campaign has failed to reimburse them for law enforcement costs.

 

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2016/06/trump-didnt-pay-his-bills-for-decades.html

Donald Trump Has a History of Not Paying His Bills. That Offers Some Insights Into His Personality.

 

Something about someone not paying their bills?

 

 

       It started years ago.   One of my sister's used to work as an accountant for Hershey.  The Hershey company did special orders for Trump from time to time.  She told me it was always a huge struggle to get Trump to pay his bill, often taking months and months.and usually with some sort of dispute involved, to boot.   Nothing seems to have changed.