US Vice Presidential Candidate Vance: "Trump Will Not Withdraw from NATO"

[US Election 2024]

JD Vance, the Senate candidate and vice-presidential pick for the Republican nominee in the U.S. presidential election, denied speculation that the United States might withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) if former President Donald Trump returns to the White House.

In an interview with NBC on the same day, Vance stated, "Former President Trump wants NATO to be strong. He wants the United States to remain in NATO."

Republican candidate for the U.S. presidential election, Senator JD Vance
[Image source=Getty Images Yonhap News]

He added, "Also, Trump wants NATO countries to actually bear their defense burdens," emphasizing, "It is important that we recognize NATO is not just a welfare client."

During his presidency, Trump cited pressuring NATO’s European allies to increase defense spending as one of his achievements. In February, at a campaign event, he sparked controversy by saying he would not protect NATO allies who do not fulfill their defense spending obligations and would encourage Russia to get everything it wants. This statement was also interpreted as a denial of NATO’s collective defense clause.

Vance specifically pointed to Germany, saying, "The problem with NATO is that Germany needs to spend more on security and more on defense." He did not specify clear conditions for the U.S. to remain in NATO.

When asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin is an enemy, he said, "I definitely consider him an enemy," but added, "To end the war in Ukraine, negotiations are needed among Ukraine, Russia, and the European NATO allies."