EU’s Borrell slams Trump’s stance, says NATO “must stand firm” beyond US presidential “whims”

The EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, emphasized that NATO cannot rely solely on the decisions of the US president and must uphold its obligations as a military alliance.

Borrell responded to former President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States might not defend NATO allies failing to meet defence spending targets against a potential Russian threat. Borrell remarked, “NATO cannot function as a selective military alliance, subject to the whims of any single president.”

Trump made these remarks during a political rally in South Carolina on February 10, recounting an interaction where he was asked by a leader from another nation if the US would intervene in the event of a Russian aggression if they hadn’t fulfilled their NATO commitments.

 

“I responded, ‘No, I won’t defend you.’ In fact, I encouraged them to meet their obligations. It’s essential to fulfill your responsibilities”, Trump said.