Messaging Guidance: NATO Summit

This week, America and its closest partners are celebrating the 75th anniversary of NATO – the greatest military alliance in the history of the world. For generations, America and its allies have come together to stand up for freedom and keep the world safe from war.

But today, that alliance is under threat like never before. The most obvious threat, of course, is Vladimir Putin, who is dedicated to undermining and eventually defeating NATO. Look no further than his war in Ukraine, which many experts worry is just a stepping stone before he turns his attention to other countries in Eastern Europe.
But Putin is hardly the only threat looming over NATO. Perhaps the most serious danger of all is coming from within: the presidential aspirations of Donald Trump. In recent years, he has:

Bragged that he “would encourage [Russia] to do whatever the hell they want” if NATO member countries did not pay enough.
Called NATO “obsolete” and questioned whether it was worth American investment.
Repeatedly suggested that the United States might not defend our allies, were they to come under attack from Putin or other adversaries.
Blamed NATO for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine – a piece of Russian propaganda that undoubtedly pleased Putin.

Trump’s abandonment of NATO is a gift to Vladimir Putin and a threat to American national security. The American people and the world deserve better from an American President.
Fortunately, President Biden and Vice President Harris are doing everything in their power to solidify and strengthen this critical partnership at a critical moment in history, including by expanding the alliance to include Finland and Sweden and guaranteeing that our European partners are contributing more to this alliance than ever before – increasing their annual defense spending by more than 25%.
The American people understand the importance of NATO to safeguarding American security and strongly oppose efforts to step back from this critical partnership.
And that’s why it’s so important that they’ll see Joe Biden and Kamala Harris leading the world in strengthening our alliances and standing up to those who seek to undermine them – while Donald Trump gives Vladimir Putin a free pass in Europe.