February 13, 2024
2 mins read

Stoltenberg Warns Trump’s NATO Critique Endangers Global Security

The former President’s comments drew strong backlash, with Stoltenberg saying in a statement that Trump’s attack could endanger both civilians and troops…reports Asian Lite News

Donald Trump has drawn the ire of the NATO countries with its Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg alleging that the former US President is undermining the future of the organisation with his recent campaign rally statement to a member country — “you don’t pay, we don’t protect you”.

Stoltenberg issued a warning to the leaders around the world after Trump stirred fears about the future of NATO at a campaign stop on Saturday. Trump was critical of certain countries in NATO which reportedly did not meet the goals for which the organisation was set up, media reports said.

He told a South Carolina rally that countries in the alliance were expected to spend at least 2 per cent of their GDP on defence. Trump specifically recalled a conversation he claims to have had with the President of a country when he was in office, saying, “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?’”

“You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent,” Trump had asked.

He said, “Yes, let’s say that happened.”

“No, I would not protect you,” Trump said, adding: “In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.”

The former President’s comments drew strong backlash, with Stoltenberg saying in a statement that Trump’s attack could endanger both civilians and troops.

“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,” Stoltenberg said in the statement, adding, “I expect that regardless of who wins the presidential election, the US will remain a strong and committed NATO ally.”

NATO’s charter requires members to come to the aid of others if they are attacked.

Trump’s latest comments also drew criticism from within America’s borders.

President Joe Biden in a statement released by his reelection campaign said: “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 them and allow Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want’ with them.”

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who is running against Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination, called NATO “a success story for the last 75 years”.

“Now, we do want NATO allies to pull their weight. But there are ways you can do that without sitting there and telling Russia, have your way with these countries,” Haley told CBS.

ALSO READ-NATO chief calls on Europe to ramp up arms production

Previous Story

Hamas Claims Three Israeli Hostages Died from Injuries

Next Story

PML-N, PPP Consider Sharing PM Seat in Pakistan’s Coalition Government

Latest from -Top News

India Bats for Fairer Global Finance: FM Sitharaman

FM Sitharaman stated that we believe that optimal regulation fosters innovation and stability….reports Asian Lite News India supports reforms to the international financial architecture to enhance inclusivity and equity, including Multilateral Development

US Pauses Ukraine Military Aid

The move came amid concerns about US military stockpiles falling too low…reports Asian Lite News Following a review of US stockpiles, the Trump administration has paused certain military aid to Ukraine, confirmed

US Presses Hamas on Ceasefire Deal

The new proposal seeks to address some of Hamas’ concerns, and Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump has

PM Modi Heads to Accra, Signals South-South Priority

The Prime Minister will then travel to Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, a country he said shares “deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect” with India…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra

White House Focus on India COMPACT

The Secretary affirmed the strength of the US-India relationship, highlighting implementation of the US-India COMPACT…reports Asian Lite News The US-India COMPACT—a comprehensive framework for bilateral cooperation—took centre stage during the meeting between
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Sweden to apply to join NATO, says PM

The government has also decided on a bill that will

NATO restricts HQ access for Belarusian diplomats

Roman Protasevich, a 26-year-old dissident journalist, and his partner were