Internet divided as Biden dubs Trump’s threat to abandon delinquent NATO allies ‘appalling and dangerous’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden slammed his predecessor and GOP White House hopeful Donald Trump over his remark that he would abandon NATO allies who have failed to pay their dues if Russia attacks them and would "encourage" the strike instead.
Based on a report by The Hill, the incumbent called the former President's remarks "appalling and dangerous".
The Republican frontrunner, speaking at a campaign rally in Conway, South Carolina, on February 10, stated, "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.' 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."
BREAKING: Donald Trump just asked Russia to attack our NATO allies. Donald Trump is asking for World War III. Retweet to ensure the whole country knows what Trump is trying to get us into. pic.twitter.com/kQ5tDkZBR2
— Biden’s Wins (@BidensWins) February 10, 2024
Responding to his predecessor's shocking threat, Biden said, "If my opponent, Donald Trump, is able to regain power, he is making it clear as day that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to 'do whatever the hell they want' with them."
Trump's warning raised concerns among the NATO allies as he is closing in on grabbing the Republican nomination to face Biden in the 2024 presidential election likely.
Biden says Trump's NATO remarks were 'predictable'
The President, who is in the midst of a controversial special counsel report that questioned his memory, emphasized the ultimate responsibility one holds while serving as the Commander-in-Chief.
"Donald Trump's admission that he intends to give Putin a greenlight for more war and violence, to continue his brutal assault against a free Ukraine, and to expand his aggression to the people of Poland and the Baltic States are appalling and dangerous," Biden asserted.
He further claimed such remarks from Trump were "predictable" in light of his previous pledge to be a "dictator" on day one if he wins the upcoming election.
The White House also rebuked the former President's statement as "appalling and unhinged" and one that could endanger American national security, economy, and global stability.
Internet divided over Biden's attack on Trump
Social media users had mixed reactions as Biden called out the former President over his comments on not protecting NATO allies in the wake of a Russian attack. While some did not care to bother about the issue, some users pointed out Trump was right that NATO members should pay their dues.
One user wrote, "We don’t care."
Another user remarked, "#NATO is not a transaction; it is a commitment. #Trumpism is dangerous."
#NATO is not a transaction; it is a commitment. #Trumpism is dangerous. https://t.co/XZUOKmvp2N
— Louis Werdebach (He/him) #SigVoice (@sigvoice) February 12, 2024
A third user, who held a different opinion, stated, "Ok, so NATO countries have to pay their fee for defence. That's pretty normal for an alliance."
Ok, so NATO countries have to pay their fee for defence. That's pretty normal for an alliance.
— Radha Stirling - CEO @detainedindubai (@RadhaStirling) February 11, 2024
"Trump makes me agree with Biden. That’s bullshit," a response read.
Trump makes me agree with Biden. That’s bullshit. https://t.co/kUU4q3Xhfi
— Jes (@galexy70) February 11, 2024
Another user added, "Trump is right. Biden has no clue on foreign policy."
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.