Joe Scarborough likens Trump's NATO speech to a 'love note to Vladimir Putin'

Joe Scarborough.
(Image credit: Screenshot/Mediaite/MSNBC)

Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough on Friday criticized President Trump for spending his NATO speech Thursday scolding leaders for not paying enough for their collective defense. Trump, speaking at NATO's headquarters in Brussels, chastised members for "not paying what they should be paying" and issued a reminder that some still owe "massive amounts." NATO leaders could be seen smirking and exchanging looks during Trump's lecture.

While Scarborough agreed that member nations "should carry their load," he wasn't a fan of how Trump delivered that message. "Do not call them out," Scarborough said. "When you have, the entire world is watching and most importantly [Russian President] Vladimir Putin is watching. It seemed like yesterday was his love note to Vladimir Putin. It really did. By, first of all, attacking the allies and then by not moving forward and saying that they were going to do what we've always done and defend any country that was attacked."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More