Trump calls out 'very aggressive' Montenegro in latest NATO jibe
The U.S. ally — which is
smaller than Connecticut and about as populous as Baltimore — found itself in the president's cross hairs.
LONDON — In the 12 short years since Montenegro regained its independence, the European country has joined NATO,
boosted its defense spending, and according to official figures contributes more troops per capita to the war in Afghanistan than the United States.
Yet this U.S. ally — smaller than Connecticut and about as populous as Baltimore — found itself in President Donald Trump's crosshairs late Tuesday as he once again criticized NATO.
The president suggested he would be unhappy defending "tiny" Montenegro if it were attacked, calling into question NATO's central principle of mutual defense.
He also questioned whether the country's "very aggressive people" could draw NATO into a war with Russia.
Like other presidents before him, Trump wants smaller NATO members to pull their weight by spending more on their militaries. But he's the first to directly challenge the alliance's mutual defense clause. Critics say that destabilizes one of the foundations of the post-World War II Western world.
Trump did not bring up Montenegro himself. It was used as an example by Tucker Carlson during an interview on Fox News.
"Membership in NATO obligates the members to defend any other member that's attacked," Carlson said. "So let’s say Montenegro, which joined last year, is attacked. Why should my son go to Montenegro to defend it from attack?"
Trump answered: "I understand what you're saying. I've asked the same question.
Montenegro is a tiny country with very strong people. … They're very aggressive people. They may get aggressive, and congratulations you're in World War III."
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Originally Posted by Swordsmyth
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