OPINION:
President-elect Donald Trump casually and unintentionally threatened the security of the world, including the United States, when he talked in early 2024 about not protecting NATO countries that had failed to spend 2% of their gross domestic product on defense.
Last Feb. 12, a NATO country leader said to Mr. Trump, “Well, sir, if we don’t pay, and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?”
Mr. Trump responded: “You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent? No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.”
Although this remark was probably just a negotiating ploy by Mr. Trump, it might encourage Russia to continue the war in Ukraine — and if it defeats Ukraine, continue on and attack NATO countries. We should continue to provide military equipment and supplies to Ukraine.
The U.S. is a member of NATO, and by a treaty strengthened by Congress, it is required to come to the aid of any NATO country attacked by Russia. This would precipitate World War III.
We need all of our leaders to understand the geopolitical status of the world. Mr. Trump should stick with his policies, which are essentially quite good, and refrain from making provocative statements about international matters.
DONALD MOSKOWITZ
Londonderry, New Hampshire
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