Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg walk along the West Colonnade of the White House, Wednesday, April 12, 2017. ( Photo by Shealah Craighead) Credit: The White House

Former President Donald Trump, at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, on Saturday, spoke about US foreign policy during the time he was in the Oval Office. He blasted Biden for the pullout of Afghanistan, among other things, and then he came to his 2016 campaign promise that NATO would only come to the defense of those countries who pay 2% of their GDP to their military spending.

During his speech in South Carolina, Trump made a claim that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was his “biggest fan” at the time. “Well, I don’t know if he is anymore, but he was my biggest fan,” boasted Trump.

“He said all these presidents came in to make a speech and leave, and that was it. And they all owed money. And they wouldn’t pay it,” he added. “I came in, I made a speech, and they said you got to pay up.”

Recounting the conversation he had with one of the world leaders, Trump said, “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?’,” said Trump. “No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.” Trump continued, “And the money came flowing in.” He said that “we would protect you under any circumstances” would not make anyone pay. “We are not going to be a stupid country any longer,” Trump said to his supporters. The White House released a statement calling Trump’s NATO comment “appalling and unhinged.”

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said, “Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged – and it endangers American national security, global stability, and our economy at home.” Bates added that “Trump, rather than calling for wars and promoting deranged chaos, President Biden, will continue to bolster American leadership and stand up for our national security interests – not against them.”

Jens Stoltenberg came out with his own statement on Sunday sounding alarm that Trump’s comments can pose a serious detriment to security and defense.

“NATO remains ready and able to defend all allies. Any attack on NATO will be met with a united and forceful response,” Stoltenberg said. “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.”

Trump’s stance on 2% of GDP contribution of each member state is a repeat of his 2016 and nothing new. However, in the context of 2024, this statement takes on new significance, prompting concerns among world leaders about NATO’s future under his leadership.

Reports from the UK indicate that intelligence agencies are preparing briefs on the potential fallout and national security implications should Donald Trump secure victory in the 2024 election.

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