Former President Donald Trump has once again criticized NATO members’ defense spending targets, stating that if he were to return to the White House, he would not defend countries that fail to meet their obligations. Speaking at a campaign rally in South Carolina, Trump recounted a conversation he had with the head of a NATO member country that had not fulfilled its financial commitments. However, this time he refrained from making the controversial statement encouraging Russia to attack delinquent allies.
Trump’s recent rally was more restrained compared to his previous event, where he faced backlash for mocking his Republican rival Nikki Haley’s husband for being absent from the campaign trail. In addition, Trump revised his comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting an interview in which Putin expressed a preference for President Joe Biden.
Haley, Trump’s former U.N. ambassador and his last major rival in the GOP presidential race, has been condemning his remarks about her husband, who is deployed in Africa with the National Guard. Despite insulting Nikki Haley and emphasizing his lead in polls over her, Trump directed most of his attention towards President Biden, whom he is expected to face in the 2024 general election.
Biden has strongly criticized Trump’s comments about NATO, describing them as “dangerous,” “un-American,” and “shocking.” The president has also advocated for a foreign aid package to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, a position that Trump opposes. Instead, Trump suggested providing a loan to Ukraine rather than handing over aid without conditions.
Trump attempted to explain his previous confusion between Haley and former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which raised concerns about his mental fitness. Both Biden and Trump face widespread questions about their age and readiness for a second term. However, Trump dismissed these concerns and expressed his dislike for both Haley and Pelosi.
Although Haley has made more campaign appearances recently, she did not attend any events on the day of Trump’s rally. Don Bolduc, a surrogate for Haley, held a news conference criticizing Trump’s remarks about Michael Haley. Meanwhile, SFA Inc., a super PAC supporting Haley’s campaign, displayed an ad on a mobile billboard near the rally venue, characterizing Trump as “sick or clueless” for criticizing the military.
Trump’s negative comments about Haley have escalated as the campaign season progresses, particularly in her home state of South Carolina. During a previous event in New Hampshire, Trump effectively ruled out Haley as a potential running mate, claiming she was not presidential material. At the recent rally, he declared that his criticism ensures she will never run for vice president, a statement that received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
However, Trump quickly shifted his focus to praise South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who endorsed him during the presidential race and has been considered a potential running mate. Trump commended Scott’s candidacy and highlighted their successful collaboration when Haley appointed Scott to the U.S. Senate during her tenure as governor. Throughout her campaign, Haley’s son, Nalin, has referred to Scott as “Sen. Judas,” alluding to the biblical story of the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ.
In summary, Trump once again criticized NATO members’ defense spending targets and refrained from making controversial statements about Russia attacking delinquent allies. His rally saw less controversy compared to previous events, although he faced criticism for mocking Nikki Haley’s husband. Trump directed most of his attention towards President Biden and expressed opposition to foreign aid for Ukraine. He attempted to explain his confusion between Haley and Pelosi while dismissing concerns about his mental fitness. Despite Trump’s attacks on Haley, she continues her campaign with support from surrogates and super PACs.
