Internet slams Trump for threatening to encourage Russia to attack NATO allies who fail to 'pay dues'

CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA: Former President Donald Trump shocked everyone by claiming he would "encourage" Russia to attack NATO members who have failed to pay their dues, reported Daily Mail.

The Republican frontrunner made the alarming threat while addressing a rally in Conway, South Carolina, on Saturday, February 10, ahead of the upcoming state primary.

"The president of a big country stood up and said, 'If we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said you didn't pay, you're delinquent? He said, 'yes, let's say that happened'," Trump said.

"No, I would not protect you, in fact I would encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want, you gotta pay! You gotta pay your bills," he threatened.

Donald Trump reiterates claims of forcing European allies to pay more

Upon taking office, the former President repeated his frequent claims of pressuring European allies to increase defense spending by warning them that the US would not guarantee their protection.

NATO members in 2014, more than two years before Trump entered the White House, decided to increase their defense spending, setting a 2% of GDP by 2024 in light of Russia annexing Crimea. This contradicts Trump's claims, proving the former President falsely took credit.

Moreover, Daily Mail also pointed out that no alliance member has failed to pay their share of the $3 billion common budget. The NATO website says, "All Allies contribute to funding NATO using an agreed cost-share formula derived from the Gross National Income of member countries. This is the principle of common funding, and it demonstrates burden-sharing in action." And the US pays 16% of its GDP.

White House rebukes Donald Trump's remarks on NATO

The White House labeled Trump's statement against NATO members "appalling and unhinged," asserting it "promoted dangerous chaos."

"Thanks to President Biden's experienced leadership, NATO is now the largest and most vital it has ever been," White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a statement.

"Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged – and it endangers American national security, global stability, and our economy at home."

Furthermore, the White House promised President Biden would continue to defend national security and strengthen American leadership instead of calling for wars.

Internet reacts

Netizens slammed Trump, calling him a "danger" for explicitly declaring he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members if they fail to meet the financial obligations. 

One user wrote, "He needs to be jailed so he can stop mouthing insanities that are a direct threat to our nation. No other democracy on earth would put up with his dangerous nonsense."

Another user wrote, "He needs an intervention. This is off the rails."

"Disgraceful!" a user added. Another user remarked, "This man is a danger not only to us, but other countries. Trump might even be a danger to himself."

One response read, "What a hateful, mean-spirited and evil man." Another user labeled Trump "A dangerous, dangerous man!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.