REPORT:Trump REFUSES to commit to NATO clause, leaders desperate to convince him

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From Daily Mail: Donald Trump refused to commit to NATO’s ‘collective defense’ clause in unsettling comments to allies ahead of today’s summit in the Hague.

‘Depends on your definition,’ he told journalists in comments sure to rattle the European allies he dined with upon arrival in the Netherlands.

‘There’s numerous definitions of Article Five. I’m committed to being their friend.’

Article Five is a founding principle of the NATO military alliance, requiring allies to treat an attack against one as an attack against all. It has only been invoked once, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States. Allies stepped in to provide support for the U.S.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte downplayed Trump’s comments and praised him for securing a historic spending deal, emphasizing the US’s commitment to Article Five.

The Daily Mail claims that leaders were trying to “avoid a Trump blow-up at the Hague gathering,” by heaping praise on him and “keeping the meeting short and sweet.” The Mail cites Rutte’s flattery of Trump ahead of the summit.

“Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win,” Rutte wrote, giving Trump credit for helping to sell a planned spending hike. “You are flying into another big success in The Hague,” wrote Rutte.

In a statement, Rutte said he believes the US is committed to Article 5. He said other Canadians and Europeans will increase spending, “making sure that we not only are able to defend ourselves against the Russians and others, but also to equalize, and this is fair, that we spend the same as the US is spending.”

READ MORE AT DailyMail.

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