Trump claims he saved NATO from collapse, touts U.S. support
Donald Trump claimed that NATO was in poor condition before his involvement. Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, the U.S. president underscored the central role the United States plays in the alliance and in the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, made a statement on Friday in the Oval Office. During his speech, Trump highlighted his achievements in rebuilding and strengthening NATO, noting that the organization was close to collapse before he took office.
Would there be no NATO without Trump?
Trump asserted that NATO had been in poor condition before his involvement, arguing that previous leaders of the alliance struggled to secure consistent funding. He added that both former and current NATO Secretary Generals—whom he described as admirable individuals—acknowledged that his actions may have been crucial to NATO’s continued existence.
"There were only seven countries that were paying what they were supposed to be paying," assessed the U.S. president. He recalled that he compelled European member countries to increase defense spending, significantly improving the alliance's financial situation.
"No, I won’t protect if you’re not paying. If you’re delinquent or if the money isn’t paid, why would we do that?," he said. "And, you know, hundreds of billions of dollars flowed into NATO, and NATO became strong," Trump boasted.
"NATO is now solid and strong, but (member countries - ed.) must treat us fairly. Without the United States, NATO is not the same," Trump argued from the Oval Office.
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 his belief that a basic framework for an agreement has been established and voiced hope that it would soon be finalized. He emphasized that his efforts are driven by two main reasons, the most important being the ongoing tragedy of thousands of young Russians and Ukrainians losing their lives each week.
He once again directed criticism at his predecessor, Joe Biden, claiming that the United States spent $350 billion on a war that, in his view, should never have occurred. He argued that such a conflict would have been avoided under more capable leadership and pointed out that no such war broke out during his own presidency.
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.
