"Trump's Controversial NATO Stance: Urging Russian Attacks on Allies"

Former President Donald Trump suggested at a rally that he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to NATO member countries that he views as not spending enough on their own defense. Trump's remarks come as the GOP debates providing additional foreign aid to Ukraine, with Senate considering legislation to give $60 billion to Ukraine while House Republicans echo Trump's skepticism. Trump has long been critical of U.S. participation in NATO and has previously suggested not protecting NATO allies from a Russian attack. His comments have sparked criticism from NATO partnership experts and White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, while also drawing a response from former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, whom Trump will face in the Feb. 24 primary in South Carolina.