John Bolton Battles CBS’ Brennan: Not Fair to Criticize Trump for Making Same NATO Criticism as Obama

‘Barack Obama, in fact, said that free-riders aggravated him’

BRENNAN: In terms of spending?

BOLTON: Well, it's not just spending.

But let me make the point that they committed to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense matters. It's not just matter of dollars and cents. This is a collective defense organization.

NATO is the most successful political military alliance in history. But if core members, including Germany, aren't willing to spend what's necessary for their own self-defense, what are -- what are we to make of that?

BRENNAN: But U.S. intelligence believes Russia is actively trying to undermine NATO.

You understand why the president's comments, spending aside, things undermining the European alliance...

(CROSSTALK)

BOLTON: Don't say spending aside. Don't say spending aside. What is the depth of the European commitment?

BRENNAN: Your are correct that past presidents have also said that is deeply troubling and they want to see more spending. Exactly.

BOLTON: Barack Obama, in fact, said that free-riders aggravated him.

BRENNAN: Exactly.

BOLTON: So, I don't -- I don't think it's fair to criticize President Trump for simply saying what President Obama said earlier.

BRENNAN: But when the president -- sure.

But in terms of redrawing international borders, like with Crimea, leaving the door open to that, saying things that undermine the alliance in that particular, specific way, are very unique and troubling.

BOLTON: I don't think that's what that comment means.

There will be a lot of discussion. There was discussion this past week at the European Council about the E.U. position on Ukraine. And this is a subject where there's been disagreement among the Europeans as well.

The president wants a strong NATO. If you think Russia is a threat, ask yourself this question. Why is Germany spending less than 1.2 percent of its GNP?

So, when people talk about undermining the NATO alliance, you should look at those who are carrying out steps that make NATO less effective militarily.

Video files
Full
Compact
Audio files
Full
Compact