NATO leader says Trump puts allies at risk by saying Russia can ‘do whatever the hell they want’

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The head of the NATO military alliance warned Sunday that Donald Trump was putting the safety of U.S. troops and their allies at risk after the Republican presidential front-runner said Russia should be able to do “whatever the hell they want” to NATO members who don’t meet their defense spending targets.

“Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement.

Speaking Saturday at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, Trump recalled how as president he told an unidentified NATO member that he would “encourage” Russia to do as it wishes in cases of NATO allies who are “delinquent.”

“‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’” Trump recounted saying. “‘No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.’”

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«READ MORE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> READ MORE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Trump says he warned NATO ally: Spend more on defense or Russia can ‘do whatever the hell they want’ </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Some of what Putin told Tucker Carlson missed the bigger picture. This fills in the gaps </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> As Finns choose a new president, one thing is certain: A hard line on Russia will continue </bsp-custom-headline> </bsp-list-loadmore>

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