Making a brief appearance Tuesday, Biden denounced Trump for his NATO remarks, accusing the former president of being “transactional” and having “bowed” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Trump gave an invitation to Putin to invade some of our NATO allies,” the president said.
“For God’s sake, it’s dumb, it’s shameful, it’s un-American,” Biden added.
At a rally Saturday, Trump referenced a conversation he allegedly had with a foreign leader of NATO then said he wouldn’t defend alliance members who didn’t pay at least 2 percent of economic output.
“I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want,” he said, referring to a hypothetical attack from Russia. “You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.”
The comments have spurred concerns across Europe and earned a rare rebuke from NATO’s chief.
While Democrats condemned the remarks, the GOP is split. Some Republicans have defended Trump’s comments.
“What he talked about was, he told a story, an analogy,” said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). “At no point did he say ‘and I will not defend countries in the future,’ anything of that nature.”
Biden on Tuesday also encouraged Congress to pass a major national security package that includes some $60 billion for Ukraine in the fight against Russia, a major NATO priority.
The Senate passed the package on Tuesday but it faces an uncertain future in the House.
Trump has questioned Ukraine support, saying on the campaign trail that he would negotiate an end to the war in 24 hours. He also said the new package for Kyiv should be sent on loan.
Read the full coverage at TheHill.com.
