NATO Leader Asserts that Donald Trump's Remarks Weaken Security for All

The chief of the NATO military alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, has condemned Donald Trump's suggestion that the US would not defend NATO allies who fail to meet their defense spending commitments. Stoltenberg warned that such remarks undermine the security of all NATO members and put US and European troops at greater risk. Trump stated during a rally in South Carolina that he would encourage Russia to attack any NATO member that did not meet the alliance's target of spending 2% of their GDP on defense. The White House called his comments "appalling and unhinged." Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO is prepared to defend its members and any attack would be met with a united response. He also expressed confidence that the US will remain a strong NATO ally regardless of who wins the presidential election. Trump's criticism of NATO stems from his belief that the US shoulders an excessive financial burden in guaranteeing the defense of other nations.