Donald Trump says he would encourage Russia to attack Nato allies who pay too little

In a series of statements made at a campaign rally in South Carolina, former President Donald Trump expressed that he would not protect countries that are delinquent on their payments to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He went further to encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" if these nations fail to pay. These comments were described as "appalling and unhinged" by a White House spokesperson. Trump's previous remarks have also shown misgivings towards aid to Ukraine and expressed that he would encourage Russia to attack any NATO member that is behind on its payments. This stance contradicts the commitment of NATO members to defend any nation that gets attacked. Trump is currently the Republican front-runner in the 2024 US presidential election.