Donald Trump’s former defense secretary, James Mattis, praised NATO as a successful alliance, but Trump’s recent statements at a rally indicated he wouldn’t support NATO members if Russia attacked.
James Mattis claimed in 2017 that NATO is the “most successful and powerful military alliance in modern history.”
Trump has criticized NATO countries for not paying their fair share, but all members contribute to a common fund, and most have increased defense spending.
Trump said, “No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.”
Trump wrote in 1987, “For decades, Japan and other nations have been taking advantage of the United States…. Make Japan, Saudi Arabia, and others pay for the protection we extend as allies.”
Despite Trump’s focus on payment, NATO’s strength and success have contributed to the US’s power and wealth.
Trump’s long-standing belief that allies are taking advantage of the US has influenced his approach to NATO, and there are concerns that he might seek to withdraw the US from the alliance.
Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, said, Trump “would fundamentally reexamine the premise of NATO, which is the predicate for what I think he would do in a second Trump term, which is withdraw the United States from NATO itself.”
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