2024-02-11 08:26:38
Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to no longer protect NATO against Russia if he is victorious in November’s US presidential election. At a campaign rally this Saturday (10) in South Carolina, the Republican also promised to resume mass expulsions of migrants at the country’s borders, already “on the first day” of government.
Published on: 02/11/2024 – 09:26
4 min
For years, the tycoon has criticized his allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for not funding the institution enough. The vast majority of financial contributions to the organization, around 70%, belong to the United States, in a context in which few member countries respect the donation quota of at least 2% of their GDP.
During the event in Conway, South Carolina, Trump reported having had a conversation with one of the organization’s leaders, but did not say which one. “One of the presidents of a great country stood up and said, well, sir, if we don’t pay and we are attacked by Russia, will you protect us? No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would tell them to do whatever they want with you. You must pay your debts,” he recounted.
The statement comes as Trump, the likely candidate against Democratic President Joe Biden in the November elections, is putting pressure on Republican lawmakers to bury a bill that provides for the payment of new financial and military aid to Ukraine.
Donald Trump voters participate in a rally in Conway, South Carolina. (10/02/2024) AFP – JULIA NIKHINSON
Aid to Ukraine blocked in Congress
The White House responded to the comments by praising Biden’s efforts to strengthen alliances around the world. “Encouraging the invasion of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and senseless,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates responded in a statement released Saturday night.
“Rather than calling for war and promoting chaos, President Biden will continue to support American leadership,” Bates added.
The deal blocked in Congress provided for additional aid to Ukraine and Israel. The value of US$95 billion will be debated next week and also includes funds for a strategic ally in Asia, Taiwan.
Most of it, however, would help Ukraine replenish its stocks of ammunition, weapons and other essential needs as the country enters a third year of war. Donald Trump has frequently questioned the continuity of American aid to Ukraine and has even threatened to leave NATO if he returns to govern the country.
‘Biggest expulsion operation in history’
The pre-candidate also once again addressed the controversial issue of immigration, another important topic in the electoral campaign. Under his pressure, congressional Republicans appear to have decided to block any immigration policy reforms before the presidential election.
“Let’s not forget that this week we also won a great victory that all conservatives should celebrate. We crushed this crook Joe Biden’s disastrous project on open borders,” launched the billionaire. “The whole group did a great job in Congress. We buried it all.”
The former president assured that the expulsion of migrants would be one of his priorities if he returned to the White House. “On day one, I will end all of the Biden administration’s open borders policies and launch the largest domestic deportation operation in U.S. history. We have no choice,” he said.
During the rally he also criticized Nikky Haley, former governor of the state of South Carolina and his rival for the Republican nomination, highlighting her husband’s absence during the campaign. “Where is her husband? Oh, he’s gone, he’s gone. What happened to her husband?” he asked, with voice effects.
Behind in the nomination race, the former US ambassador to the UN responded harshly on X, explaining that her husband, Michael Haley, has been involved in a yearlong military mission in Djibouti. “He is serving our country, something you know nothing about. Someone who continually disrespects the sacrifices of military families has no business being commander in chief,” she said.
With information from AFP
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