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NATO is celebrating its 75th anniversary this week. The role of the USA has always been crucial in the military alliance. Donald Trump and Joe Biden apparently have very different views on what it should look like in the future.



This is what Donald Trump and Joe Biden said about NATO:

April 3, 2018


Donald Trump:


“NATO is making billions of dollars more because of me. Because I told many countries, you are defaulting, you are not paying, is that right? They didn’t pay.”

February 19, 2021


Joe Biden:


"I speak today as President of the United States at the beginning of my term in office, and I am sending a clear message to the world: America is back."

June 30, 2022


Joe Biden:


“Before the war began, I told Putin that if he invaded Ukraine, NATO would not only be stronger, but also more united. And we would see the world's democracies stand up and oppose his aggression and defend the rules-based order. That’s exactly what we’re experiencing today.”

February 10, 2024


Donald Trump:


“I did the same thing with NATO: I made them pay. NATO was bankrupt until I showed up. I said, 'Everyone will pay.' They said, 'Well, if we don't pay, will you still protect us?' I said, 'Absolutely not.' They couldn't believe the answer. And suddenly the money started flowing in. One of the presidents of a major country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay and we get attacked by Russia, will you protect us? I said, 'You didn't pay? Are you in default?' He said, 'Yes, let's say that's the case.' 'No, I wouldn't protect you. I would even encourage (them) the Russians to do whatever the hell they want to do. You have to pay your bills.”

March 7, 2024


Joe Biden:


"A former Republican president (Donald Trump) says to Putin: "Do whatever the hell you want to do." That's a quote. A former president actually said that and bowed to a Russian leader. I find that outrageous. It is dangerous. And it’s unacceptable.”


Trump recently called his criticism of NATO a mere “negotiating tactic.” In the event of his election victory, the USA would of course remain in the alliance – if all members “played fairly”.



How the history of NATO will change after its 75th birthday will also be decided in the US presidential elections in November.