President-elect Donald Trump casually and unintentionally threatened the security of the world, including the United States, when he talked about NATO countries not meeting the guideline of spending 2% of GDP for defense.

On Feb. 12, 2024, a leader of a NATO country said to Trump, “Well sir, if we don’t pay, and we’re attacked by Russia — will you protect us?” Trump said: “You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent? No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay.”

Although this remark is probably a negotiating ploy by Trump, it might encourage Russia to continue the war in Ukraine, and if it defeats Ukraine, continue on and attack NATO countries. We should continue to provide military equipment and supplies to Ukraine.

The U.S. is a member of NATO, and by a treaty strengthened by Congress, required to come to the aid of any NATO country attacked by Russia. This would precipitate WWIII.

We need all of our leaders to understand the geopolitical status of the world. As president, Trump should stick with his sound policies, which are essentially quite good, and refrain from making provocative statements about international matters.

Donald Moskowitz

Londonderry, New Hampshire