Austin has been in the news for hiding his cancer diagnosis. Now his recent statement has all hell breaking loose.
And Defense Secretary Austin made an announcement with devastating consequences.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underlined NATO’s commitment to protect “every inch” of its members’ territory on Thursday, citing Russia’s continued threat despite its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The words came as NATO military ministers convened in Brussels to discuss a variety of problems, including Moscow’s invasion and how to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defense.
“The United States will continue to stand with our NATO allies and to defend the sovereignty and the territory of every alliance member — every inch of it, as President Biden has repeatedly made clear. Our commitment to Article Five remains ironclad,” Austin said in a statement.
Article Five states that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all members.
Defense spending among NATO’s 31 member states has been a source of dispute. Each nation has agreed to devote 2% of its GDP to defense.
In 2014, only three people achieved the goal. This year, 18 are expected, according to NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg.
“Since the Investment Pledge was made in 2014, European Allies and Canada have added more than $600 billion US dollars for defense,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“So we are making real progress.”
Former President Trump has criticized NATO allies for failing to contribute their fair share to defense spending and instead relying on the United States for aid.
While speaking to supporters at a rally in Conway, South Carolina, Trump recalled his time as president, when he threatened an anonymous NATO member that he would withdraw U.S. assistance and urge Russia to do whatever it wanted.
“‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’” Trump recalls saying.
“‘No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.’”
In reaction, Stoltenberg warned of the perils of splitting the United States and Europe.
“Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk,” he said.
Austin stated that the United States and its allies are prepared to support Ukraine “for the long haul” as well as NATO allies.
“America’s network of allies and partners worldwide — built and sustained by wise administrations of both parties in the decades since the nightmare of World War II — remains a core strategic strength that no rival can match and that none should doubt,” said President Barack Obama.
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