Donald Trump has dodged a question asking him whether he is still committed to Article 5 of NATO, the alliance’s founding principle.
Article 5 is the principle of collective and mutual defence, meaning an attack against one NATO ally is considered an attack against all members.
The US president spoke to reporters on Air Force One on his way to the NATO summit in The Hague and was asked about his commitment to Article 5 of NATO.
Mr Trump replied: “Depends on your definition. There are numerous definitions of Article 5. You know that, right? But I’m committed to being their friends. You know, I’ve become friends with many of those leaders, and I’m committed to helping them.
“I’m committed to saving lives. I’m committed to life and safety, and I’m going to give you an exact definition. When I get there. I just don’t want to do it on the back of an airplane.”
The NATO summit is intended to signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that NATO is united and set on expanding and upgrading its defences to deter any attack on its members from Moscow, but Mr Trump cast renewed doubt on his willingness to protect allies.
NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said he had “no doubt” that the US is “totally committed” to the mutual defence clause and NATO.
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