Donald Trump Encourages Russia To Attack NATO Members If They Don’t ‘Pay Their Dues’ In Speech

In Conway, South Carolina, on Saturday, Donald Trump told a crowd he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members who do not “pay their dues.”

Trump claimed those who do not pay their part of the alliance’s budget were “delinquent.”

“One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, ‘If we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, would you protect us?’ I said you didn’t pay, you’re delinquent . . . No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage [Russia] to do whatever the h— they want. You got to pay!”

The crowd erupted in cheers at Trump’s words. Trump also claimed that during his presidency, he increased the flow of money from European allies by not offering them protection if they did not pay their dues.

“You never saw more money pour in,” Trump said.

The White House spoke up about Trump’s claims, calling them “appalling and unhinged.” Fellow members of the Republican party also criticized Trump’s speech, including Trump’s remaining presidential opponent, Nikki Haley.

“The last thing we ever want to do is side with Russia,” Haley said.

Trump has said he would pull the United States out of NATO if he wins the election. Concerns grew in Poland after Trump’s speech due to Russia’s historical role in dominating the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was recently slammed for his remarks during an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. In the interview, Putin claimed Adolf Hitler was “forced” to invade Poland due to their noncooperation.

Trump’s legal woes have intensified this year with numerous court cases moving forward. It was recently disclosed that Trump’s super PACs paid over $50 million in legal fees for the former president in tej last year.