His comments could help calm the nerves of Western leaders who fear the formal withdrawal of the United States from NATO if Trump wins a second term in office in November.
Trump has been an outspoken critic of NATO for years, and the former president — whose allies' concerns have grown since he was expected to face President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 election — said last month that he would “encourage” Russia to “do anything.” takes.” “willing” with NATO countries that do not meet their financial obligations to the alliance.
But speaking to Farage, the former leader of Britain's Brexit Party, Trump softened his rhetoric. “NATO has to treat America fairly, because if it wasn't for America, there wouldn't be NATO,” Trump said.
Asked directly if the US would help NATO countries attacked during his presidency, Trump replied: – Yes. But you know, America has to pay its fair share, not everyone else's.
– If so [kraje europejskie] If they start playing fair, America? asked Farage.
“Yes, 100 percent,” Trump replied.
According to NATO, two-thirds of its 32 member states currently spend on defense at a target level of at least 2%. GDP Trump spent much of his first term criticizing transatlantic allies, particularly Germany, for spending too little on defense.