CONWAY, S.C. - Former president Donald Trump ramped up his attacks on NATO on Saturday, claiming he suggested to a foreign leader that he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to member countries he views as not spending enough on their own defense. "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?,'" Trump said during a rally at Coastal Carolina University. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want." Trump's remarks come as the GOP is debating whether to provide additional foreign aid to Ukraine, which is fighting a war with Russia after being invaded by Moscow in 2022. The Senate is considering legislation that would give $60 billion to Ukraine.

Source: Washington Post February 12, 2024 06:58 UTC