Trump says he once told a NATO ally to pay its share or he would encourage Russia to do what it wants
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Trump recounted telling a NATO ally that he would encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to members he considered delinquent in defense spending.
Campaign rally quotationTrump said he would encourage Russia to attack NATO allies he deemed delinquent · The campaign statement was reported and drew allied condemnation; no such direction was executed. · reviewed 2026-09-03