Why Donald Trump’s Stance on Russia and NATO Is Wrong

Sometimes, moral clarity is easy. On the one hand, U.S. President Joe Biden attended the NATO Summit. NATO, and America’s network of allies and partners that presidents of both parties have developed and maintained since World War II, is an unmatched strategic asset.

On the other, Russian forces recently bombed a children’s hospital.

As America helps Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s aggression, Donald Trump continues to fawn over Putin, siding with Russia to undermine the U.S. led liberal world order. This alarming alignment with foreign interests that run counter to America’s national security should disturb every American. The former President has consistently demonstrated a troubling affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin, an autocrat whose ambitions threaten global stability and American interests. Trump’s comments and actions reveal a pattern of support for Russia that is deeply concerning and poses significant risks to NATO, strategic stability, and democracy itself.

One of the most disturbing aspects of Trump’s rhetoric is his cavalier attitude toward NATO, the cornerstone of Western defense since World War II. Trump has stated that he would encourage Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to any NATO country that doesn’t meet its financial commitments. Trump is ignorant to the facts. This year, defense spending across Europe and Canada is up 18 percent, the biggest increase in decades. 23 Allies will meet the target of spending at least 2 percent of GDP on defense. This is more than twice as many as just four years ago.

Trump’s statement is not only reckless but fundamentally undermines the principle of collective defense enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. By suggesting that U.S. protection is contingent on financial contributions, Trump essentially invites Russian aggression against our European allies, destabilizing a region that has enjoyed relative peace and security for decades.

Perhaps more disturbing than reports of Trump providing classified intelligence on Israel to Russia is his praise of Putin as “genius” and “savvy” for the invasion of Ukraine. This further illustrates his disregard for American foreign policy and international law. Putin has upended Russia’s geopolitical, economic, and military revival and damaged its international reputation. Yet, Trump’s admiration for these actions signals a dangerous endorsement of authoritarianism over democracy. His words embolden Putin, undermine international efforts to hold Russia accountable and weaken America’s stance against such blatant acts of aggression.

Trump’s defense of Putin over U.S. intelligence assessments of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election is another glaring example of his troubling alignment with Russian interests. Despite overwhelming evidence from U.S. intelligence agencies, a bipartisan Senate panel, and the inquiry by special counsel Robert Mueller, Trump persistently denied Russian involvement and instead sided with Putin. This rejection of U.S. intelligence not only undermines the credibility of American institutions but also signals to foreign adversaries that their actions will not be met with unified and robust resistance.

Trump’s continued praise and support for Putin fuels alarm among former intelligence officials and national security experts. Another Trump presidency could significantly benefit the Kremlin at the expense of the U.S. Putin views Trump as a chaos agent, someone whose erratic behavior and disdain for established norms disrupt the international order and weaken the United States’ global standing. Putin will continue to employ all applicable sources of national power to advance its interests and try to undermine the United States and its allies. By supporting Trump, Putin gains a valuable ally who is more focused on personal gain and political vendettas than on advancing America’s national interests.

This pattern of behavior reveals Trump to be a charlatan more concerned with his own power and legacy than with the country he swore to protect. Trump’s focus on dismantling government structures and installing loyalists raises grave concerns about the future of U.S. intelligence and security. By paring back the government and prioritizing loyalty over expertise, Trump risks gutting the very institutions designed to protect America from foreign threats. This would leave the nation vulnerable, with critical intelligence operations hampered by lack of experience and politicization.

The implications of Trump’s stance on Russia extend beyond immediate security concerns. They strike at the heart of American democracy. A weak and thinned skinned individual who openly admires autocratic tactics, disregards allied commitments, and undermines his own intelligence community poses a direct threat to the democratic values and international norms that have long underpinned U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s behavior suggests a preference for the tactics of strongmen over the principles of democratic governance and the rule of law.

Donald Trump’s encouragement of Russian aggression against NATO allies, his praise for Putin’s invasions, his defense of Russia against U.S. intelligence findings, and his focus on personal power all point to a dangerous alignment with a foreign adversary. For the sake of America’s security and democratic integrity, it is imperative that voters recognize the risks posed by another Trump presidency. The stakes are too high to ignore the clear and present dangers of a leader whose loyalties appear to lie more with Putin than with the United States.

About the Author: U.S. Navy Rear Admiral John Butler

Rear Admiral John Butler served 32 years in the U.S. Navy, with his final posting at the Program Executive Officer, Submarines.