- Biden emphasizes the urgency of passing a $95 billion foreign aid package for US allies.
- Biden argues Trump’s remarks have raised stakes due to his “dangerous” remarks.
- Trump criticized “delinquent” payments by NATO members during a rally in South Carolina.
President Joe Biden vigorously criticized his likely 2024 election challenger, Donald Trump, labeling his criticism of NATO as “dumb,” “shameful,” and “un-American.”
The Democrats attacked Mr. Trump for stating that he would “encourage” Russia to attack any NATO member failing to meet its defense spending quota.
Mr. Biden emphasized that the remarks underscored the urgency of passing a $95 billion (£75 billion) foreign aid package for US allies.
The bill has just passed the Senate, but it encounters political headwinds in the House.
During a White House briefing on Tuesday, Mr. Biden stated that a failure to pass the package – which includes $60 billion for Ukraine – would be “playing into Putin’s hands.”
He emphasized that the stakes have risen due to Mr. Trump’s “dangerous” remarks over the weekend.
“No other president in history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator,” Mr Biden said.
“Let me say this as clearly as I can. I never will. For God’s sake. It’s dumb. shameful. dangerous. and un-American.” During a rally on Saturday in South Carolina, Mr. Trump, a Republican, criticized “delinquent” payments by NATO members.
US defend a NATO member:
He recounted a past conversation, claiming he had spoken with the head of “a big country” about a potential attack by Russia. Mr. Trump stated that the official had asked if the US would defend a NATO member who had not met its financial obligations.
“I said: ‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?'” Mr Trump told the crowd. “‘No I would not protect you I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You gotta pay.'”
Mr Biden said his predecessor was treating the military alliance like a protection racket.
“As long as I’m president,” he said, “if Putin attacks a Nato ally, the United States will defend every inch of Nato territory.”
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