White House: Trump's Remarks "Horrifying and Wrong"

The White House rejected statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump that encouraged a Russian invasion of NATO member states, describing the remarks as "horrifying and wrong." Trump made these statements during a campaign event in South Carolina, recounting what happened in a meeting with leaders of NATO member countries. He stated that one leader of a large country asked, "Well sir, if we do not pay (the required financial commitments to the alliance) and we are attacked by Russia, will you protect us?" Trump replied, "I told him: If you don’t pay and fall behind, no... I will not protect you. In fact, I will encourage them (the Russians) to do whatever they want. You need to pay and settle your bills." When White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates was asked to comment on Trump's remarks, he stated that "encouraging murderous regimes to invade our closest allies is horrifying and wrong, endangering U.S. national security, global stability, and our economy at home."