Donald Trump Compliments Putin’s Preference for Biden in 2024 Election
Former President acknowledges Vladimir Putin’s choice
February 15, 2024
Former President Donald Trump, often accused of cozying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed his confidence after Putin publicly stated his preference for President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, considering it a ‘compliment.’
Trump, speaking to supporters during a campaign rally in North Charleston, South Carolina, responded to Putin’s remark without providing any evidence, asserting that the Russian leader favors Biden due to his supposedly less hostile stance towards Russia in the aftermath of the bloody Ukraine invasion.
Trump jovially stated, “Now that’s a compliment.” He added, “I got along good with him, but he doesn’t want to have me.”
Few foreign policy analysts believe that Putin genuinely supports the incumbent president’s opponent. Trump’s positions, often in favor of Russia, along with his continuous criticism of the NATO military alliance, have raised doubts about the former president’s commitment towards NATO member nations.
Trump, Russia, Putin, and NATO
Trump’s recent rally and Putin’s preference for Biden occurred after Trump suggested that the United States would refrain from aiding NATO countries if attacked by Russia. During a campaign rally in Conway, South Carolina, Trump recounted a conversation with a foreign leader, illustrating his reluctance to support NATO members who failed to meet their defense-spending obligations. He even entertained the idea of “encouraging” Russia to act with impunity in such a scenario.
Throughout his presidency, Trump consistently criticized NATO, often garnering support from Putin. Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton, Trump’s Democratic opponent, seemed to align with their affiliation.
Defending his comments made at the rally, Trump argued, “I would not ‘protect’ NATO countries if they ‘don’t pay the bills’.”
Trump’s remarks have sparked immediate criticism from global leaders, members of Congress, and his rivals in the 2024 presidential campaign. Critics argue that NATO is a vital defense alliance, and Trump’s irresponsibility on the world stage jeopardizes international security.
Widespread Backlash against Trump’s NATO Attack
Before Trump’s speech in North Charleston, former President Barack Obama echoed Biden’s sentiment, condemning Trump’s attitude as recklessness that provokes chaos. Obama took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to convey his concerns, stating, “the last thing we need right now is a world that is more chaotic and less secure; where dictators feel emboldened and our allies wonder if they can count on us.”
Biden, joining in the criticism, stated that Trump’s remarks provided Putin with an invitation to invade some NATO allies. Biden exclaimed, “Can you imagine a former President of the United States saying that? The whole world heard it. And the worst thing is, he means it. No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator.”
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, also campaigning in South Carolina, criticized Trump’s comments about NATO, denouncing the notion that “he is siding with a man who kills his opponents.” Although she acknowledged that NATO countries need to contribute more, she emphasized that NATO has been a success story.
Trump’s controversial stance on NATO has once again stirred up tension and skepticism, leading critics to question his understanding of global security and alliances.
Lit Timestamp: February 15, 2024
