WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has said that without the United States, NATO would be ineffective and would not pose any real concern for Russia or China.
In a series of statements shared on social media, President Trump claimed that the US is the only country both Russia and China fear and respect, adding that NATO lacks influence without American leadership. He described the US under his leadership as a “rebuilt” and powerful nation.
Referring to his foreign policy record, Trump reiterated his claim of having helped end eight wars and said his actions had saved millions of lives. He also mentioned that Norway, a NATO member, did not nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, but said this was insignificant compared to the lives he claimed to have saved.
The US president further said that before he took office, most NATO member states were failing to meet their defence spending commitments. He claimed that he pressured NATO countries to increase defence spending to 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP), and said they are now making payments promptly.
Trump also expressed doubts over whether NATO would come to the aid of the United States in times of need. However, he said the US would continue to stand by NATO, regardless of whether the alliance reciprocates.
He further claimed that had he not intervened, Russia would have taken control of the entirety of Ukraine by now.
