Former President Donald Trump said in an exclusive interview with GB News host Nigel Farage on Tuesday that if he is re-elected, the United States would remain in NATO if other nations paid their “fair share.”
Farage said: “You said this back in 2017 and ’18 when you were president, you visited Brussels and said the Russians can do whatever they want if these countries don’t pay.” You said it again recently. This is now being used.”
Trump said, “You can use it, I don’t care if they use it.” Because what I’m saying is a form of negotiation. Why should we protect these countries that have a lot of money and the United States paid for most of NATO? By the time I was there, I had already had it with them. The payment was then stopped again. But now they’re paying for the comments you saw two or three weeks ago. I don’t know if you know, but a lot of money has come in since those comments were made.”
He continued: “NATO did not pay. I went to the first meeting early in my term, saw what was going on, and said, “You all need to pay your bills.” Then at the second meeting, I hit them hard. Then the head of a large country asked the question in front of everyone: “If we don’t pay our bills, will you protect us from Russia?” I said: “You mean you’re a criminal?” You don’t pay the bills? Then no, I won’t pay you. We won’t do it. We will not defend you if you don’t pay your bills.’ It’s very easy. And hundreds of billions of dollars flowed in.”
Trump added: “NATO has become strong because of me. Now NATO must treat the United States fairly, because without the United States, NATO wouldn’t even exist. They took advantage of us like most countries do.”
Farage asked: “When they start paying their bills properly and the club is fair, will places like Poland be defended? Will America be there?”
Trump said: “Yes. But the United States should pay its fair share, not everyone else’s fair share.”
Farage said: “Good enough.”
Trump said: “I believe that the United States paid for 90% of NATO, that could be 100%.” It was the most unfair thing, and don’t forget, it’s more important to them than to us. There is an ocean between some problems. They will take advantage of it. They took advantage of us in trading. They took advantage of the military.”
Farage asked: “So when they start playing fair, is America there?”
Trump said: “Yes. 100%.”
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