Biden Rebukes Trump’s NATO Criticism
Washington, The Gulf Observer: U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a resolute response on Tuesday to former President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of NATO, framing support for Trump’s stance as a threat to American interests. Speaking from the White House, Biden urged House Republicans to choose between “standing with America or Trump” as they consider supporting a congressional measure providing aid for Ukraine’s defense.
Over the weekend, Trump expressed a willingness to support Russian aggression against NATO members who failed to meet financial commitments to the security bloc during his presidency. Biden, in strong opposition to Trump’s stance, stated, “No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator. I never will. It’s dumb, shameful, dangerous, and un-American.”
Biden used the occasion to call on House lawmakers to pass a $95 billion security aid package for Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the bill that was already approved by the Senate earlier in the day. He highlighted the significance of the package in sending a clear message to Ukraine and allies worldwide that “America can be trusted, relied upon, and stands up for freedom.”
In his address, Biden drew a sharp contrast between his approach to NATO and Trump’s perception of the alliance as a protection racket. “He doesn’t see the alliance that protects America and the world. He sees a protection racket,” said Biden, emphasizing that NATO is built on fundamental principles of freedom, security, and national sovereignty.
Biden asserted that Trump’s doctrine plays into the hands of adversaries seeking to create divisions within the alliance. “The greatest hope of all those who wish America harm is for NATO to fall apart,” he warned.
Experts in presidential rhetoric noted that Biden’s forceful stance against foreign dictators is a classic tactic to appear presidential, with potential real-world implications, particularly among Republican lawmakers. Jeremi Suri, a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin, stated, “The pressure is building for many Republicans who are running for reelection in the House to show that they are not crazy on foreign policy.”
