According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, concerns that a second term for former U.S. President Donald Trump could weaken the defense alliance have been downplayed. Stoltenberg reassured that he did not believe a re-election of Trump would jeopardize U.S. membership in NATO. In an interview with CNN, he stated, “I believe that the United States will continue to be a staunch NATO ally, regardless of the outcome of the U.S. election, because it is in the U.S. interest.”
During his presidency, Trump was a vocal critic of NATO, threatening to pull out of the alliance and frequently complaining about the unequal share of defense spending. Stoltenberg mentioned that while working with Trump, the main criticism was the inadequate defense spending by NATO allies.
Stoltenberg has been advocating for NATO member states to increase their defense spending, and he mentioned that more allies are starting to make these contributions. This is in response to the United States’ message that European allies need to step up in terms of defense spending.
Even though Trump has continued to criticize the alliance, particularly questioning whether NATO countries would support the United States if it were attacked, NATO’s treaty does guarantee mutual defense of member states in the event of an attack.
In regard to the war in Ukraine, Trump has called for de-escalation and criticized the spending on the conflict, without presenting concrete policy proposals. Additionally, U.S. Senate talks on a border security deal, which some have linked to additional aid for Ukraine, are facing opposition from Republicans aligned with Trump.
Stoltenberg emphasized that the United States’ long-term commitment to NATO is crucial, despite political changes. He stressed that it is in the U.S. interest to remain a strong NATO ally.
Overall, Stoltenberg’s comments on the potential impact of a re-election of Trump emphasize the importance of continued support for NATO and its mission, even in the face of political differences.
(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Mark Porter)
