JUST IN: President Trump Discusses His NATO Policy Plans: 'They Have To Treat Us Fairly'

 

Donald Trump at Trump Force One

Trump Discusses His NATO Policy Plans: 'They Have To Treat Us Fairly'

In an Oval Office meeting on Friday, President Donald Trump outlined his stance on NATO, emphasizing the importance of fairness and accountability among member nations. Addressing questions about the U.S.'s role in the alliance, Trump reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the burden of defense costs is more evenly distributed.

"NATO is something that I saved," Trump declared. "NATO was gone until I came along. In fact, the previous Secretary General, a very good man, along with the current one, who is fantastic, both said, 'If it wasn't for Trump, you wouldn't even have a NATO.'"

The President criticized the disproportionate financial contributions made by the United States compared to other member nations. "We were paying the cost of almost all of the countries," Trump stated. "I said, 'We're not going to do this. You hurt us on trade, you do bad things on trade, and then on top of it, we're supposed to pay for your military.'"

Trump credited his administration for pushing NATO countries to increase their defense spending. "Because of what I did, hundreds of billions of dollars have flowed into NATO from countries that just weren't paying. They were delinquent; they weren't paying their bills."

While affirming NATO's current strength, Trump maintained that fairness remains a priority. "NATO is solid; they're strong. But they have to treat us fairly because, look, without us, NATO is not the same."

The President also highlighted his diplomatic efforts with global leaders, specifically mentioning ongoing conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I can tell you, I've been having very good discussions with President Zelensky and with President Putin," Trump said. "President Putin will tell you that without the United States, he wouldn't be worried. But he is worried when the United States is involved."

Trump expressed hope for a resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, citing both humanitarian and economic concerns. "I'm doing it for two reasons," he explained. "Number one, and by far most importantly, thousands of young people—and they're not American people; they're Russian and Ukrainian—are being killed every week. Thousands a week."

He also criticized the financial toll the conflict has taken on the U.S. under the current administration. "The United States has paid, because of Biden, $350 billion on a war that should have never happened. If we had a competent president sitting right here, that war would have never happened. It would have absolutely never happened with me, and it didn't happen for four years."

Trump's remarks reflect his broader foreign policy approach, emphasizing negotiation, burden-sharing, and strong U.S. leadership within international alliances.

FAQs on Trump's NATO Policy Plans: "They Have to Treat Us Fairly"

1. What did President Trump say about NATO during the Oval Office meeting?
President Trump emphasized that he "saved NATO" by pushing member countries to contribute more financially. He stated that many nations were delinquent in their payments until he intervened, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars flowing into NATO.

2. Did Trump mention giving up the U.S. position of NATO Supreme Allied Commander?
The question was raised, but Trump did not confirm any plans to give up the position. Instead, he reiterated the importance of NATO treating the U.S. fairly.

3. What was Trump's stance on NATO before his presidency?
Trump has long criticized NATO, arguing that the U.S. was unfairly bearing the financial burden. During his presidency, he pushed for more equitable cost-sharing among member nations.

4. What did Trump say about his conversations with Zelensky and Putin?
Trump mentioned having "very good discussions" with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He suggested that without U.S. involvement, Putin would not be as concerned, highlighting America’s influence.

5. What is Trump's perspective on the Russia-Ukraine war?
Trump criticized the Biden administration's handling of the conflict, saying the war "should have never happened" and that it wouldn't have occurred under his presidency. He also expressed concern over the human cost, stating thousands of young people are dying each week.

6. How much has the U.S. spent on the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Trump?
Trump claimed that under President Biden, the U.S. has spent $350 billion on the war. He suggested that this conflict could have been avoided with a more competent administration.

7. What is Trump's main message regarding NATO?
Trump stressed that NATO needs to treat the U.S. fairly. He believes that without U.S. support, NATO would not be as strong or effective.