Former President Donald Trump affirmed that the United States would remain in NATO “100%” if he secures a second term in the White House, provided that European countries fulfill their financial obligations to the alliance, according to an interview with Nigel Farage on British TV channel GB News.
Trump’s statement addresses concerns among Western leaders about the possibility of a U.S. withdrawal from NATO under his leadership. While Trump has been critical of NATO in the past, particularly regarding financial contributions, he emphasized the importance of European nations meeting their fair share of defense costs.
Trump (Credits: Politico)
During the interview, Trump underscored the necessity for NATO to treat the U.S. fairly, asserting that without U.S. support, NATO’s existence would be in question.
He reiterated his stance that Europe must pay its defense dues but expressed willingness to uphold U.S. commitments to the alliance if European countries fulfill their obligations.
Trump’s comments mark a departure from his previous rhetoric, in which he suggested that Russia should have more leeway with NATO countries that fail to meet their financial commitments. However, he maintained his stance that NATO is crucial for European security and stability.
Trump on NATO Commitment (Credits: X)
Despite concerns over Trump’s commitment to NATO, particularly during his first term as president, NATO reports that a significant portion of its member countries are meeting or exceeding the alliance’s target defense spending of 2% of GDP.
Throughout his presidency, Trump had criticized NATO allies, particularly Germany, for not increasing defense spending to meet NATO’s targets.
This ongoing tension has fueled uncertainty among European leaders about the reliability of the U.S. commitment to European security, especially amid geopolitical challenges such as the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump’s reassurance regarding NATO comes amidst heightened anxiety over his presidential bid and the ongoing debate in Washington over providing aid to Ukraine in the face of a potential Russian invasion.
