Former President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with his recent statements about NATO during a rally in South Carolina. Trump suggested that if re-elected, he would allow Russia to act freely against NATO members who fail to meet defense spending targets.

President Joe Biden responded by highlighting Trump's position as a potential threat to the alliance. Accusing him of signaling a readiness to forsake NATO allies and embolden Russian aggression, particularly towards Ukraine.

The NATO secretary general also weighed in, emphasizing that any insinuation of a lack of mutual defense among allies jeopardizes both American and European security and puts military personnel at risk.

Senator Marco Rubio of Florida is defending Trump:

"NATO was broke or busted until he took over because people weren't paying their dues. And then he told the story about how he used leverage to get people to step up to the plate and become more active."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices