Trump allies back his NATO comments, but some Republicans say they were a 'mistake'

Some of former President Donald Trump's closest Senate allies were out in force on Monday defending his comments over the weekend that even further call into question Trump's commitments to the United States' NATO allies.

Multiple Republican senators backed Trump's remarks on Saturday that he'd «encourage» Russia to «do whatever the hell they want» to NATO-aligned countries that don't meet their financial obligations to the alliance.

Trump's remarks echo his long-standing criticism of the role the U.S. plays in providing security for other countries — including major allies. The former president's comments also come as he attempts to squash a foreign aid bill in the Senate that would provide billions of dollars more in support to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., a close Trump ally, said he's «100% behind him» in his push to get NATO countries to pay more money toward their self-defense.

Asked how allied countries should feel about a potential invasion from Russia after Trump's remarks, Tuberville doubled down.

«I would be worried. I would be very worried. Especially if they don't have 2% of their GDP in defense. I mean you've got to be able to protect yourself — we can't protect everybody,» Tuberville said to ABC News. «It's their country, they've got to defend it. We would love to help, but if you're not going to defend your own country, why should our taxpayers defend it for them?»

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said allied nations that are concerned about Trump's comments need to «get over it.»

«They need to stand up and be tough. We need to secure our own border first. We need to take care of things here at home first. When we secure our own border and we take care of home, then great, let's help