Share this @internewscast.com

Former President Donald Trump told top European officials while he was in office that the United States would never help Europe if it came under attack, according to a high-level E.U. official.

Thierry Breton, a French commissioner who is responsible for the European Union’s internal market, said Trump made the remarks to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2020.

Breton recounted his recollection of the meeting, which he also attended, at a panel discussion in Brussels on Tuesday. His comments prompted sharp criticism of Trump on Wednesday from U.S. President Joe Biden’s campaign for re-election.

“You need to understand that if Europe is under attack, we will never come to help you and to support you,” Breton quoted Trump as saying during the Davos meeting.

“By the way, NATO is dead, and we will leave, we will quit NATO,” Trump also said, according to Breton, speaking at an event hosted by the Renew Europe political party at the European Parliament.

“And by the way, you owe me $400 billion, because you didn’t pay, you Germans, what you had to pay for defense,” Breton quoted Trump as saying.

Asked whether von der Leyen’s recollection of Trump’s remarks matched those of Breton, a spokesperson for the European Commission president declined to comment.

“Out of principle the President NEVER discloses what her interlocutors have told her during closed door meetings. So we are not going to comment either way,” the spokesperson said in an email.

Phil Hogan — an Irishman who was European Trade Commissioner and, according to Breton, also attending the Davos meeting — did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.

Trump is the frontrunner to be the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election, with opinion polls predicting a tight contest against President Joe Biden in the November vote.

A spokesperson for Biden’s campaign said: “The idea that he would abandon our allies if he doesn’t get his way underscores what we already know to be true about Donald Trump: The only person he cares about is himself.”

Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump repeatedly clashed with traditional allies over trade and defense spending.

Trump himself has offered few clues about the foreign policy he would pursue were he to win in 2024 beyond broad claims like ending the Ukraine war in 24 hours, prompting concern in European capitals.

During a second term, he would likely install loyalists in key positions, allowing him more freedom to enact isolationist policies and whims, according to current and former aides and diplomats.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Court says Greg Bovino, Border Patrol commander, won't have to brief Judge Sara Ellison Chicago immigration operations

Court Rules Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino Exempt from Briefing Judge Sara Ellison on Chicago Immigration Operations

An appellate court sided with the Trump administration on Friday, halting a…
Illinois SNAP benefits November halt: Paying It Forward founder determined to provide free food despite her own struggles

Illinois SNAP Benefits Cut Off in November: Local Nonprofit Founder Vows to Distribute Free Food Despite Personal Challenges

In East Chicago, Indiana, the recent Paying It Forward community meal saw…
JSO: College Park shooting stems from argument during video games

Two Men Injured in Separate Domestic Shootings in Jacksonville, Police Report

In Jacksonville, two men are on the mend following separate domestic shooting…
First Coast surfing legend, Biddy Hunter, dies at age 77

Farewell to a Wave Rider: Celebrating the Legacy of First Coast Surfing Icon Biddy Hunter

Dennis “Biddy” Hunter was a prominent figure in the surfing community, known…
Heidi Klum, the 'Queen of Halloween,' reveals 2025 costume

Unveiled: Heidi Klum’s Jaw-Dropping 2025 Halloween Costume Steals the Spotlight

Heidi Klum’s annual Halloween party in New York City has become a…
Top blue city university's newspaper tracks ICE operations amid frequent violent clashes with feds

University Newspaper Unveils ICE Activities Amid Ongoing Tensions with Federal Agents in Major City

Earlier this month, a prominent university’s student newspaper took a novel approach…
Baby Emmanuel Haro update: Cabazon, California mother Rebecca Haro pleads not guilty to murder of missing 7-month-old son

California Mother Pleads Not Guilty in Case of Missing Infant Emmanuel Haro

In a courtroom in Riverside, California, Rebecca Haro faced a judge on…
Happy Halloween 2025! Chicago-area fun kicks off with trick-or-treating, Ravenswood Monster Mash

Chicago Celebrates Halloween 2025 with Festive Trick-or-Treating and the Ravenswood Monster Mash

CHICAGO (WLS) — This Friday night, Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are…
FDA restricts use of kids' fluoride supplements citing emerging health risks, latest action by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

FDA Curbs Children’s Fluoride Supplements Amid Health Concerns: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Leads the Charge

WASHINGTON — On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new…
US Marine arrested, accused of traveling 'to meet, kidnap and sexually assault' 12-year-old girl: FBI

FBI Charges US Marine for Alleged Plot to Abduct and Assault Minor

A U.S. Marine on active duty was apprehended this week following allegations…
Trump Announces Next Steps As Judge Orders USDA Funding, SNAP Deadline Looms on Saturday, Nov. 1

Trump Outlines Plan Amid USDA Funding Ruling and Approaching SNAP Deadline

President Donald Trump has revealed the measures he has implemented to prevent…
Tinley Park boy Alex Anning hosts Chicago food giveaway at Carrie Jacobs Bond Elementary School for 8th birthday

Young Philanthropist Alex Anning Celebrates 8th Birthday with Heartwarming Food Giveaway at Chicago School

Inside Carrie Bond Elementary School in Englewood, a heartwarming act of generosity…