Former President Donald Trump faced strong criticism from top Western officials on Sunday after suggesting that the United States might not come to the defense of NATO allies failing to meet defense spending targets in the event of a potential Russian invasion.
Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General, expressed his concern, stating, “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.” He emphasized that any attack on NATO would be met with a united and forceful response.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also condemned Trump’s remarks, highlighting NATO’s commitment with the motto ‘one for all, all for one.’ He warned against undermining the credibility of allied countries, stating that it weakens the entire NATO alliance. He further stressed that no election campaign justifies playing with the security of the alliance.
In response to Trump’s comments, the German foreign ministry posted the message ‘One for all and all for one’ with the hashtag #StrongerTogether on its English-language social media platform. European Union Council President Charles Michel criticized Trump’s “reckless statements” on NATO’s security and Article 5 solidarity, suggesting that they only serve Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests.
Article 5 of the NATO treaty declares that an armed attack against any alliance member is considered an attack against all, triggering collective self-defense.
During a political rally in South Carolina, Trump recounted a meeting with NATO leaders, quoting the president of an unnamed “big country” asking if the US would protect them if they were attacked by Russia and hadn’t met their financial obligations. Trump responded, “No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.”
The critical responses from NATO officials and European leaders reflect concerns over the potential consequences of undermining the principle of collective defense within the alliance. Trump’s statements on NATO have drawn widespread condemnation for potentially weakening the unity and credibility of the alliance.