Trump claims pivotal role in saving NATO from collapse
Donald Trump claimed that NATO was struggling before his involvement. Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, the U.S. president highlighted America’s key role within the alliance and its involvement in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, delivered a statement on Friday in the Oval Office. During his speech, Trump highlighted his achievements in rebuilding and strengthening NATO, insisting that the organisation was near collapse before he assumed the presidency.
Would there be no NATO without Trump?
Trump asserted that NATO had been in a difficult position before his engagement, implying that earlier alliance leaders had struggled to ensure consistent funding. He also mentioned that both former and current NATO Secretary Generals—whom he described as outstanding figures—acknowledged that his actions were crucial to the alliance’s continued existence.
The U.S. president assessed that we were financing almost all the countries. He recalled that he compelled European member countries to increase defence spending, which significantly improved the alliance's financial situation.
Trump emphasized that he had made it clear the U.S. would no longer shoulder the burden of others’ defense costs. He credited his approach with prompting countries that had previously fallen short of their financial commitments to significantly increase their contributions to NATO, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in additional funding.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described NATO as currently strong and stable but stressed that member countries need to engage with the United States on fair terms, noting that the alliance would not be the same without American involvement.
Trump talks about Putin
Trump also discussed his talks with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, arguing that his personal involvement was crucial. He stated that "Putin made it clear" that he "wouldn't be concerned about NATO" if it weren't for the U.S.'s active support of the alliance. But he is concerned," emphasized the U.S. president.
He expressed optimism that a framework for an agreement had been established and voiced hope that it could soon be finalized. He explained that his motivation stemmed from two key reasons, foremost among them being the ongoing tragedy of thousands of young Russians and Ukrainians losing their lives each week.
He renewed his criticism of Joe Biden, arguing that the United States spent £280 billion due to what he described as a war that should have been avoided. He insisted the conflict would not have occurred under more competent leadership and noted that no such war occurred during his four years in office.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation in which they agreed on a 30-day ceasefire concerning only energy and infrastructure facilities. The day after, Trump spoke with Volodymyr Zelensky.
