Western officials criticize Trump's NATO comments

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he holds a campaign rally at Coastal Carolina University ahead of the South Carolina Republican presidential primary in Conway, South Carolina, U.S., February 10, 2024. REUTERS/Sam Wolfe/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and top western officials criticized former president Donald Trump on Sunday after he suggested the United States might not protect NATO allies who aren't spending enough on defence from a potential Russian invasion.

"America’s leadership on the world stage and support for our allies is critical to keeping the American people safe here at home," said Biden in a statement.