Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has ignited a contentious argument within the GOP for publicly criticizing Donald Trump's recent comments regarding his commitment level to NATO.
Trump's remarks, delivered Saturday during a rowdy campaign rally in South Carolina, condemned NATO allies for their perceived failure to meet financial obligations and took a laissez-faire approach toward Russia's actions against member nations non-compliant.
Trump said he "would not protect (non-compliant NATO members)" and would encourage Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to member nations for not paying their dues. Trump has regularly criticized NATO allies for not spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense.
