A Republican US congressman has called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a “threat” to NATO’s stability and success, saying Canada’s defense spending and military contributions are not enough.
US Representative Mike Turner made the comments In an editorial in Newsweek Suggesting that “Trudeau, not (Donald) Trump, poses a threat to NATO’s stability and success” because the country has long delayed a plan to meet members’ agreed-upon target of spending 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defence. .
Last summer, Defense Minister Bill Blair and Trudeau announced that Canada expects to invest at least 2% of its GDP in defense by 2032, calling it a “credible, responsible and achievable target date.”
Until then, Trudeau has not offered a specific timetable for achieving the 2% target, saying Canada will increase defense spending and continue to contribute to the military alliance.
At the time, US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen said the Biden administration was pleased to see Canada’s commitment to reaching the goal, calling it “an important positive step toward achieving our shared goals.”
Canada, as a founding member, should “lead by example” for new members, Turner said, noting that Sweden – which just joined this year – already expects to meet the 2 per cent target this year.
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“It is clear that Canada benefits not only from NATO membership, but from its proximity to the United States,” wrote Turner, who is chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
“Take your time in Canada; Russia can wait.”
The congressman went on to criticize leaders in the coalition for being concerned about the possibility of former President Trump returning to the Oval Office.
In February, Trudeau pledged to defend Canada’s “interests” but avoided criticizing Trump after the former president repeated his threat to turn his back on NATO members – like Canada – who did not meet their defense spending targets.
At the time, Trump said he would “encourage” Russia to attack so-called “delinquent” NATO countries.
Turner did not note these comments, instead writing that every US president has put NATO in a “stronger strategic position” than his or her predecessor, including Trump.
“While some allies may not appreciate the straightforward approach, Trump is validly criticizing those who do not share the burden of collective defense,” the Ohio congressman wrote.
“In fact, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised President Trump for his ‘clear message’ about the importance of all NATO members investing in their national defense.”
He went on to say that Trump strengthened NATO, while Trudeau “undermined” it by not reaching 2 per cent in GDP spending.
Trudeau and Canada’s efforts to support Ukraine were also questioned by Turner, who wrote that Trump provided Javelin missiles to Ukraine before the invasion while the Canadian government provided “lukewarm military assistance.”
Last month, Trudeau said he was pressing NATO leaders to support lifting long-range weapons restrictions imposed on Ukraine, saying the restrictions hinder Ukraine’s ability to win the war.
The op-ed comes after Trump repeatedly refused during the US presidential debate in September to say whether he thought Ukraine should win the war against the Russian invasion, saying only “I want this war to stop.”
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