Trump doubles down on threat to withhold NATO protection over unpaid dues, Internet calls it 'bad idea'

NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: Former President Donald Trump reiterated his threat not to protect NATO allies who fail to pay their dues in the event of a Russian attack, reported Politico.

Addressing the voters in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Wednesday, February 15, the Republican White House hopeful emphasized his controversial stance not to defend the NATO allies who do not spend at least 2% of their GDP on the alliance's defense spending. He also took a swipe at President Joe Biden for criticizing his previous remarks.

"I've been saying, look, if they're not going to pay, we're not going to protect, okay? And Biden who said, oh, this is so bad. This is so terrible that he would say that. No," said Trump. "One of the heads of the countries said, does that mean that if we don't pay the bills, that you're not going to protect us?" the ex-President recalled.

"That's exactly what it means. I'm not going to protect you," Trump underscored while speaking to the Palmetto State's voters ahead of the GOP primary on February 24.

Biden slammed Trump's initial remarks that he would encourage Russia to attack the "delinquent" NATO allies, calling it "appalling and dangerous."

He also warned that if the former President enters the White House for a second time, "he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to 'do whatever the hell they want' with them."

Vladimir Putin weighs in on Donald Trump's NATO threat

Trump's shocking warning drew criticism from US politicians as well as international allies as the nation prepares for a crucial presidential election.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, sided with Trump, stating that his former counterpart's remarks continued his policies during the first presidential term when he forced former European NATO allies to increase defense spending, as per Associated Press's report.

"He [Trump] has his own view on how relations with allies should develop," Putin said during a conversation with a Russian state television correspondent on February 14.

"From his point of view, there is some logic in this, while from the point of view of the Europeans, there is no logic at all, and they would like the US to keep carrying out some functions they have fulfilled since the formation of NATO free of charge," he added.

In the interview, Putin also expressed his preference for Biden to win a second term over Trump, citing his "experience" and predictability.

Leading the respective party primaries, both candidates are highly likely to face each other in a rematch in November.

Internet reacts

Netizens pointed out that Trump doubling down on his position was a "bad idea" and mocked his defenders who downplayed the previous warning.

One user wrote, "Bad idea to double down."

Another user remarked, "He never regrets anything he says because the man is without shame. He’s got the cult and the entire Republican Party is his pocket, he can say or do whatever he wants."

"He talks like it’s HIS country," a third remark read. Another user added, "There goes all the people that said 'thats not what he meant.'"

A fifth user said, "So not joking then? That's what his defenders said, right?"

"This person belongs no where near the Oval Office again," a user opined. Another response read, "Again. This is treasonous."

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.