The leaders of Germany and Poland on Monday criticized former President Donald Trump for threatening not to defend NATO members that do not meet their obligations to the alliance, although one of the politicians later signaled that his country will start spending money.
“NATO’s protection promise is unrestricted: all for one, one for all. “Any relativization of the mutual defense guarantee is irresponsible and dangerous,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a statement.
“No one is allowed to play or make deals with European security. We will strengthen NATO for the security of Europe,” he said without directly naming Trump, although it was clear who he was addressing.
Scholz later confirmed his country’s ongoing plan to dramatically increase its defense spending to meet its obligation to NATO, which he mentioned last year.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also criticized Trump for his comments, although his country is already fulfilling its obligation.
“These words from Donald Trump should have the effect of a cold shower on all those who constantly underestimate this increasingly real threat facing Europe,” Tusk said, according to Bloomberg.
“We need to increase our defense capabilities and the European part of NATO is particularly determined on this matter.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the importance of the NATO alliance. REUTERS Donald Trump famously had a tumultuous relationship with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. President Biden welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the White House last week. Julia Nikhinson – Pool via CNP / MEGA
During a rally in Conway, South Carolina, on Saturday, Trump dusted off his well-worn grievances with NATO, complaining that most members do not spend the required 2% of their gross domestic product on defense.
“I said, ‘Everyone is going to pay.’ They said, ‘Well, if we don’t pay, are they still going to protect us?’ I said, ‘Of course not.’ “They couldn’t believe the response,” Trump said during the rally.
Trump then alleged that “one of the presidents of a large country” asked him if the United States would support them from Russia if “they don’t pay.”
“’No, I wouldn’t protect you,’” Trump recalled responding. “’In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You have to pay. You have to pay your bills. “
In 2022, only seven of NATO’s 30 member countries met its 2% threshold, according to its annual report published last year. Finland has since ascended to the alliance, bringing the number of members to 31.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn