Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said Thursday she finds Donald Trump's comments on backing away from NATO members that do not pay their "fair share" to be one of the "most irresponsible and dangerous things" she has ever heard a presidential candidate say about one of the nation's major alliances.
"NATO is the basis of how we make sure that our allies are safe," Albright, the first woman to serve as secretary of state, told
Fox Business News' Maria Bartiromo. "And for him to kind of act as if he's blackmailing our partners, they have to contribute, but they are our partners and we need to have a functioning NATO."
She said she does agree that it is important for the NATO members to pay their fair share, but insisted "they are doing that."
"They are also providing troops in Afghanistan and are very good partners," said Albright. "I think, and I was in Warsaw during the summit, I think the kinds of things that Donald Trump said are damaging and dangerous to American security."
Bartiromo asked her why the nation's officials, like President Barack Obama and former secretary of state-turned Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton have been not talking about NATO's paying up, but Albright said they all have been and so has she.
Instead of worrying about how much the members are paying said Albright, the talk has been about the importance of having the alliance.
"What has happened is the alliance has taken a major step of moving troops into the Baltics," said Albright. "Also, we are going to be in Poland. They are paying, they need to pay, but it is not a reason to undermine the importance of NATO, especially at a time we are facing major issues."
Trump's statements, said Albright, are "dangerous and hysterical."
The nation has a few national security threats, Albright continued.
"Fighting terrorism is a high priority" she said. "It also making clear that we need to have deterrence with the Russians."
Other priorities include dealing with China, and with the impact of climate change, said Albright, who spoke from the Democratic National Convention stage this week about endorsing Clinton. "There is an awful lot that has to be done and we need a leader who understands all the issues."
Bartiromo also brought up an issue with Albright's speech, noting that there was a line where the word terrorism was substituted in for ISIS.
"You won't believe this, but it was not coming up on the teleprompter," said Albright. "I do believe we have to do something about ISIS. It is a job we have to do with the help of others. It is essential."
She said that she does not think it is fair that Obama has faced criticism for his stance on the extremist terror group.
"It is very much a part of his focus," said Albright, but he does not want to use "a fear factor" for doing a policy. "The Republican convention was nothing but a fear factor."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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