On Sunday, former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., described former President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of NATO as ‘uninformed and ignorant and dangerous.’
A NATO Skeptic?
Earlier this month, the former president ignited a firestorm when he hinted he might not support European countries attacked by Russia. Speaking at a South Carolina rally, Trump even suggested he might ‘encourage’ the Russians ‘to do whatever the hell they want’ if a NATO member hasn’t reached specific defense goals.
Blunt NATO Critique
In response to Trump’s statements on Sunday, Cheney voiced her concerns to CNN, calling them ‘dangerous’ and a clear sign of ‘a complete lack of understanding of America’s role in the world.’
‘Disgraceful’
She deemed the remarks ‘disgraceful,’ stating she couldn’t envision any past American president, regardless of party affiliation, making such comments since NATO’s formation.
Trump’s Dangerous ‘Ignorance’
“It’s completely uninformed and ignorant and dangerous.” Cheney emphasized on CNN’s ‘State of the Union.’ She further praised NATO as “the most successful alliance probably in the history of the world.”
Navalny’s Death
Cheney, a staunch critic of Trump, criticized him for not yet addressing the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny as of early Sunday morning.
Trump-Putin Comparison
Cheney, referencing Trump’s often repeated campaign trail themes of revenge and retribution, drew a stark comparison: “When you think about Donald Trump, for example, pledging retribution, what Vladimir Putin did to Navalny is what retribution looks like in a country where the leader is not subject to the rule of law.”
Post-WWII Alliance
NATO, established in the aftermath of World War II, is an alliance encompassing European and North American nations. Its foundational principle, as outlined in the NATO charter, mandates member countries to assist each other in the event of an attack.
This collective defense clause, known as Article 5, has been a cornerstone of the alliance, ensuring mutual protection among its members.
NATO’s Article 5
Article 5 of the NATO Treaty stipulates a collective defense mechanism: if one member nation is subjected to an armed attack, all other members will regard this aggression as an attack against the entire Alliance. Consequently, each member state is committed to take whatever measures it considers necessary to support the nation that has been attacked.
2% GDP Defense Target
NATO requires its members to allocate a minimum of 2% of their GDP to defense, a target not met by all members, prompting Trump’s critique of the alliance.
NATO’s Stability Under Threat?
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed deep concern over Trump’s remarks, emphasizing their potential to jeopardize safety.
Allegedly Risky Words
“Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk,” Stoltenberg stated.
He expects that, irrespective of the U.S. presidential election outcome, the U.S. will continue as a dedicated NATO ally.
Biden’s Stark Warning
President Joe Biden, in a campaign statement, starkly warned: “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 and allow Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want’ with them.” He added that Trump’s comments are “predictable coming from a man who is promising to rule as a dictator like the ones he praises on day one if he returns to the Oval Office.”
Biden’s Team Reacts
In response to Trump’s latest remarks about NATO, the Biden administration was quick to condemn. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates described Trump’s stance as “encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged.”
Bates emphasized that such a position “endangers American national security, global stability, and our economy at home.”
Trump, Putin, and NATO’s Future
Trump’s occasional threats have alarmed foreign policy experts who fear he could dismantle NATO in a second term. Critics argue Trump’s denunciation of NATO aligns with his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a known adversary of the alliance.
Read Next: What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
Former President Donald Trump’s distinctive orange skin has captivated attention, sparking curiosity about its evolution from average pale over the years:
What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
Dive into the shadows of American history as we explore 21 of its biggest lies that have left an indelible mark on the nation’s narrative:
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
Discover the amusing downfall of once-respected entities in our changing world:
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
Explore the lighter side of Donald Trump’s presidency with 23 hilariously memorable moments that left the nation in stitches:
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
27 Things MAGA Movement Ruined Forever for People
How the MAGA movement left its mark on individuals and disrupted certain aspects of our everyday life forever:
