Biden blasts Trump’s comments about not defending NATO allies from Russia as ‘dangerous,’ ‘un-American’
WASHINGTON — President Biden attacked Donald Trump on Tuesday for what he called Trump’s “dangerous” and “un-American” comments about not defending NATO allies from Russia if they don’t put enough of their budgets toward military spending.
The 81-year-old Biden, who is trailing in polls against Trump ahead of an anticipated November rematch, launched the attack while telling House Republicans they must choose between “America or Trump” hours after the Senate passed a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill that included $60 billion for non-NATO ally Ukraine.
“The former president has sent a dangerous and shockingly, frankly, un-American signal to the world,” Biden said of Trump in a prepared statement that he read at the White House.
“Just a few days ago, Trump gave an invitation to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to invade some of our allies — NATO allies,” Biden said.
“He said if an ally didn’t spend enough money on defense, he would encourage Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want.’ Can you imagine a former president of the United States saying that? The whole world heard it. The worst thing is he means it.
“No other president in history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator,” Biden said.
“And let me say this as clearly as I can: I never will. For God’s sake, it’s dumb, it’s shameful, it’s dangerous, it’s un-American. When America gives its word, it means something. When we make a commitment, we keep it.”
Biden said that “NATO is a sacred commitment.”
“Donald Trump looks at this as if it’s a burden. When he looks at NATO, he doesn’t see the alliance that protects America and the world, he sees a protection racket,” the president said.
“He doesn’t understand that NATO is built on the fundamental principles of freedom, security and national sovereignty — because for Trump, principles never matter, everything is transactional.”
Biden added that “all those who wish America harm … cheered when they heard Donald Trump — heard what he said.
“House Republicans, you gotta decide: Are you going to stand up for freedom or are gonna side with terror and tyranny? Are you going to stand with Ukraine or are you stand with Putin? Will you stand with America or Trump?” the president concluded.
House Republicans have resisted approving additional funds to Ukraine by questioning safeguards in place to ensure the money isn’t diverted within the notoriously corrupt nation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has repeatedly alleged that White House reps have failed to answer basic questions about US goals and the endgame in the stalemated nearly two-year-old conflict, for which Congress previously appropriated $113 billion.
Trump, 77, suggested the US wasn’t fully committed to defending NATO allies when making the case that he actually strengthened the alliance by strong-arming foreign leaders into boosting their own military spending during his four-year term of office.
“One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, ‘Well, sir, if we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?'” Trump told a crowd at a rally Saturday in South Carolina.
“I said, ‘You didn’t pay, you’re delinquent?'” Trump narrated.
“He said, ‘Yes, let’s say that happened.’
“‘No, I would not protect you’ ” Trump said he replied. “‘In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.'”