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House Republicans renominate Paul Ryan as speaker – politics live Harry Reid condemns Steve Bannon appointment on Senate floor – live
(35 minutes later)
9.48pm GMT
21:48
Ted Cruz ambition update.
Lindsey Graham reiterates Donald Trump should nominate Ted Cruz to Supreme Court: "I think he'd get a lot of votes."
9.40pm GMT
21:40
From the long-suffering transition pool: Marla Maples update:
After a visit that lasted less than 25 minutes, Marla Maples came back to the lobby at 4:24pm and very quickly rushed to the exit, waving to reporters but not stopping to chat. A reporter asked how Tiffany is doing and she replied: “She’s doing great, thank you.” Other questions went unanswered. Within seconds, she was gone.
Marla Maples is Trump’s second wife and mother of his second daughter Tiffany and a singer-songwriter:
9.36pm GMT
21:36
Say what you will about Ted Cruz, he’s always there to help – especially if you just got elected president.
Ted Cruz is @ Trump Tower today, per @VaughnHillyard. Transition aide says he's not being considered for a post but "came by to offer aid"
9.23pm GMT
21:23
On the floor of the US senate:
Reid quotes Bannon divorce records, saying Bannon didn't like how Jews raise kids & Bannon didn't want his kids going to school with Jews
Here’s the AP in August:
In a sworn court declaration following their divorce, Piccard said her ex-husband had objected to sending their twin daughters to an elite Los Angeles academy because he “didn’t want the girls going to school with Jews”.
“He said he doesn’t like Jews and that he doesn’t like the way they raise their kids to be ‘whiney brats,’” Piccard said in a 2007 court filing.
9.15pm GMT
21:15
Outgoing Senate minority leader Harry Reid is speaking on the senate floor about Donald Trump. He notes that hate crimes have spiked since Trump’s election – there have been 315 reports, he says. Now he tells the story of a friend threatened while dining in Las Vegas. And a similar story about two incidents at a staffer’s daughter’s middle school. And a similar story from Spokane, Washington.
“Those are only a few examples of what people close to me have related, but those kinds of disturbing accounts have been reported across America.” He submits multiple lists of “hundreds of incidents” to the congressional record.
Here’s a live stream.
9.12pm GMT9.12pm GMT
21:1221:12
From the long-suffering transition pool:From the long-suffering transition pool:
Spotted at Trump Tower: Marla Maples, Donald Trump’s second wife and the mother of his daughter, Tiffany.Spotted at Trump Tower: Marla Maples, Donald Trump’s second wife and the mother of his daughter, Tiffany.
9.04pm GMT9.04pm GMT
21:0421:04
McCain skeptical of Putin's goodwillMcCain skeptical of Putin's goodwill
Senator John McCain is not impressed by new expressions of goodwill from Russian president Vladimir Putin.Senator John McCain is not impressed by new expressions of goodwill from Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Trump released a statement Tuesday saying he looked forward to a “strong and enduring relationship” with Russia.Trump released a statement Tuesday saying he looked forward to a “strong and enduring relationship” with Russia.
McCain points out that Putin has “plunged his country into tyranny” and “murdered his political opponents” and “invaded his neighbors” and “threatened America’s allies, and attempted to undermine America’s elections.”McCain points out that Putin has “plunged his country into tyranny” and “murdered his political opponents” and “invaded his neighbors” and “threatened America’s allies, and attempted to undermine America’s elections.”
Partial McCain statement on Trump's talk with Putin pic.twitter.com/1UHpOqDq6zPartial McCain statement on Trump's talk with Putin pic.twitter.com/1UHpOqDq6z
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.05pm GMTat 9.05pm GMT
9.01pm GMT9.01pm GMT
21:0121:01
Trump transition team hits rocky patchTrump transition team hits rocky patch
David SmithDavid Smith
Donald Trump’s transition to the White House appeared to be in disarray on Tuesday after the abrupt departure of a top national security adviser and amid continuing questions over the role of his three children and son-in-law.Donald Trump’s transition to the White House appeared to be in disarray on Tuesday after the abrupt departure of a top national security adviser and amid continuing questions over the role of his three children and son-in-law.
Former Republican congressman Mike Rogers stepped down from the president-elect’s transition team without explanation, but one report attributed it to a “Stalinesque purge”.Former Republican congressman Mike Rogers stepped down from the president-elect’s transition team without explanation, but one report attributed it to a “Stalinesque purge”.
A week after his election, Trump and Vice-President-elect Mike Pence were huddled at Trump Tower in New York to work on key appointments as the US Senate was due to resume business in a still shellshocked Washington.A week after his election, Trump and Vice-President-elect Mike Pence were huddled at Trump Tower in New York to work on key appointments as the US Senate was due to resume business in a still shellshocked Washington.
Rogers chaired the House intelligence committee and is a former army officer and FBI special agent. He said he was proud of the work his team had done to produce policy and personnel guidance “on the complex national security challenges facing our great country”.Rogers chaired the House intelligence committee and is a former army officer and FBI special agent. He said he was proud of the work his team had done to produce policy and personnel guidance “on the complex national security challenges facing our great country”.
The departure offered the latest clue that the transition is going to be every bit as bumpy as feared. Last week the president-elect ditched the head of the team, New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who is mired in political scandal, and replaced him with Pence.The departure offered the latest clue that the transition is going to be every bit as bumpy as feared. Last week the president-elect ditched the head of the team, New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who is mired in political scandal, and replaced him with Pence.
NBC News quoted a source as saying Rogers was the victim of a “Stalinesque purge” of people close to Christie. “Two sources close to the situation described an atmosphere of sniping and backbiting as Trump loyalists position themselves for key jobs,” the network reported.NBC News quoted a source as saying Rogers was the victim of a “Stalinesque purge” of people close to Christie. “Two sources close to the situation described an atmosphere of sniping and backbiting as Trump loyalists position themselves for key jobs,” the network reported.
Some Republicans who previously ostracised Trump are returning to the fold but not always with success. Eliot Cohen, a senior state department official under George W Bush, launched a stinging attack on the transition effort. He tweeted:Some Republicans who previously ostracised Trump are returning to the fold but not always with success. Eliot Cohen, a senior state department official under George W Bush, launched a stinging attack on the transition effort. He tweeted:
“After exchange [with] Trump transition team, changed my recommendation: stay away. They’re angry, arrogant, screaming ‘you LOST!’ Will be ugly.”“After exchange [with] Trump transition team, changed my recommendation: stay away. They’re angry, arrogant, screaming ‘you LOST!’ Will be ugly.”
A few days ago, Cohen had encouraged the suspicious Republican foreign policy establishment to rally around the president-elect.A few days ago, Cohen had encouraged the suspicious Republican foreign policy establishment to rally around the president-elect.
Read further:Read further:
7.58pm GMT7.58pm GMT
19:5819:58
Rand Paul: I oppose Rudy Giuliani or John Bolton for secretary of stateRand Paul: I oppose Rudy Giuliani or John Bolton for secretary of state
Senator Rand Paul reiterated his opposition to either former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani or former UN ambassador John Bolton as secretary of state in an interview with the Guardian on Tuesday.Senator Rand Paul reiterated his opposition to either former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani or former UN ambassador John Bolton as secretary of state in an interview with the Guardian on Tuesday.
The interview follows an op-ed in Rare, an online conservative publication, where Paul condemned Bolton as “out of touch”.The interview follows an op-ed in Rare, an online conservative publication, where Paul condemned Bolton as “out of touch”.
The Kentucky senator grounded his opposition in the importance that Donald Trump “pick people who agree with his foreign policy”. Trump repeatedly argued on the campaign trail that the Iraq war was a mistake and condemned what he saw as an overly interventionist foreign policy from Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. As Paul phrased it, Trump was “standing up not just to Woodrow Wilson and a whole line of neocons in both parties and thought it was a big part of what Trump ran on”.The Kentucky senator grounded his opposition in the importance that Donald Trump “pick people who agree with his foreign policy”. Trump repeatedly argued on the campaign trail that the Iraq war was a mistake and condemned what he saw as an overly interventionist foreign policy from Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. As Paul phrased it, Trump was “standing up not just to Woodrow Wilson and a whole line of neocons in both parties and thought it was a big part of what Trump ran on”.
Paul, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, insisted “there is no way I could vote for someone who is an unrepentant supporter of the Iraq war and regime change. I think that is a disaster for the country, it has made us less safe and so categorically I can’t support anybody that supports regime change.”Paul, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, insisted “there is no way I could vote for someone who is an unrepentant supporter of the Iraq war and regime change. I think that is a disaster for the country, it has made us less safe and so categorically I can’t support anybody that supports regime change.”
He noted in particular that Bolton, who wrote an op-ed in support of bombing Iran in 2015, was one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Iraq war and pointed out that Giuliani agrees with the former UN ambassador on Iran.He noted in particular that Bolton, who wrote an op-ed in support of bombing Iran in 2015, was one of the biggest cheerleaders for the Iraq war and pointed out that Giuliani agrees with the former UN ambassador on Iran.
Instead, Paul suggested Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Bob Corker as an alternative. He’s “much more of a realist, not likely to be loading the bombs to go to Iran tomorrow”. In contrast, he suggested that Bolton’s hawkish stance was perhaps because he was trying to “assuage guilt” over “not serving in combat”.Instead, Paul suggested Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Bob Corker as an alternative. He’s “much more of a realist, not likely to be loading the bombs to go to Iran tomorrow”. In contrast, he suggested that Bolton’s hawkish stance was perhaps because he was trying to “assuage guilt” over “not serving in combat”.
7.25pm GMT7.25pm GMT
19:2519:25
Three makes a trend...Three makes a trend...
Just called a Republican congressional office I deal with often and was told the press relations staff is no longer speaking to reporters.Just called a Republican congressional office I deal with often and was told the press relations staff is no longer speaking to reporters.
.@SenatorBurr is walking around with photos of reporters he won't talk to. I'm on it..@SenatorBurr is walking around with photos of reporters he won't talk to. I'm on it.
7.17pm GMT7.17pm GMT
19:1719:17
Obama wants to 'facilitate a good transition' to Trump presidencyObama wants to 'facilitate a good transition' to Trump presidency
Video: During his visit to Greece, Barack Obama said he would do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition to president-elect Donald Trump.Video: During his visit to Greece, Barack Obama said he would do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition to president-elect Donald Trump.
“I still don’t feel responsible for what the president-elect says or does,” he said, during a joint press conference with Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras. “But I do feel responsibility as president of the United States to make sure that I facilitate a good transition.”“I still don’t feel responsible for what the president-elect says or does,” he said, during a joint press conference with Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras. “But I do feel responsibility as president of the United States to make sure that I facilitate a good transition.”
7.01pm GMT7.01pm GMT
19:0119:01
House Republicans unanimously renominate Paul Ryan as speakerHouse Republicans unanimously renominate Paul Ryan as speaker
After a rousing opening to a press conference this morning in which House speaker Paul Ryan welcomed America “to the dawn of a new unified Republican government,” House Republicans unanimously renominated the Wisconsin congressman for a second term as speaker of the House.After a rousing opening to a press conference this morning in which House speaker Paul Ryan welcomed America “to the dawn of a new unified Republican government,” House Republicans unanimously renominated the Wisconsin congressman for a second term as speaker of the House.
The vote is a huge boon to Ryan’s leadership after the election of president-elect Donald Trump, particularly after Trump’s skepticism of Ryan’s support during the campaign led some Republicans to float the idea of throwing Ryan over for a new speaker in the event of Trump’s loss.The vote is a huge boon to Ryan’s leadership after the election of president-elect Donald Trump, particularly after Trump’s skepticism of Ryan’s support during the campaign led some Republicans to float the idea of throwing Ryan over for a new speaker in the event of Trump’s loss.
Ryan will still need to win a vote from the full House membership in January to officially serve a second term, but with a unanimous vote of nomination from the Republican caucus - which controls the House - that vote is, at this point, nearly assured to go his way.Ryan will still need to win a vote from the full House membership in January to officially serve a second term, but with a unanimous vote of nomination from the Republican caucus - which controls the House - that vote is, at this point, nearly assured to go his way.
6.30pm GMT6.30pm GMT
18:3018:30
Adam GabbattAdam Gabbatt
Donald Trump’s name will be permanently removed from a series of New York City buildings on Wednesday, in an apparent repudiation of his divisive presidential campaign.Donald Trump’s name will be permanently removed from a series of New York City buildings on Wednesday, in an apparent repudiation of his divisive presidential campaign.
The name “Trump” has been displayed prominently on 140, 160 and 180 Trump Place, in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, for more than a decade. Trump developed the apartment buildings in the 1990s.The name “Trump” has been displayed prominently on 140, 160 and 180 Trump Place, in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, for more than a decade. Trump developed the apartment buildings in the 1990s.
But Equity Residential, which owns the building, told the Guardian that the Trump signage would be removed – and the actual street names changed – because it would make the apartments more appealing to renters.But Equity Residential, which owns the building, told the Guardian that the Trump signage would be removed – and the actual street names changed – because it would make the apartments more appealing to renters.
“We are in the process of rebranding the buildings using their street addresses as the property names,” said Marty McKenna, a spokesman for Equity Residential.“We are in the process of rebranding the buildings using their street addresses as the property names,” said Marty McKenna, a spokesman for Equity Residential.
“The goal is to assume a more neutral building identity that will appeal to all current and future renters.”“The goal is to assume a more neutral building identity that will appeal to all current and future renters.”
An employee at the leasing office at 140 Trump Place said the work would begin on Wednesday – just eight days after Trump won the presidential election.An employee at the leasing office at 140 Trump Place said the work would begin on Wednesday – just eight days after Trump won the presidential election.
The move comes after hundreds of residents signed a “Dump the Trump name” petition calling for “Trump” to be removed from the buildings.The move comes after hundreds of residents signed a “Dump the Trump name” petition calling for “Trump” to be removed from the buildings.
6.19pm GMT6.19pm GMT
18:1918:19
Accuser: Trump has pulled 'the biggest con possible' with election winAccuser: Trump has pulled 'the biggest con possible' with election win
Lucia GravesLucia Graves
Donald Trump has pulled off “the biggest con possible”, and may leave many in the United States like “roadkill”, one of the first women to accuse him of sexual assault has told the Guardian.Donald Trump has pulled off “the biggest con possible”, and may leave many in the United States like “roadkill”, one of the first women to accuse him of sexual assault has told the Guardian.
Jill Harth, a former business partner of Trump’s, claims the incoming president cornered her in 1993 during a purported “tour” of his Mar-a-Lago estate, pushing her up against the wall in one of the children’s rooms and groping her. Her lawsuit against him alleging “attempted rape” has been on the books since she filed it in 1997, and though she later dropped the charges, she has always stood by her story.Jill Harth, a former business partner of Trump’s, claims the incoming president cornered her in 1993 during a purported “tour” of his Mar-a-Lago estate, pushing her up against the wall in one of the children’s rooms and groping her. Her lawsuit against him alleging “attempted rape” has been on the books since she filed it in 1997, and though she later dropped the charges, she has always stood by her story.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the man who used to get annoyed at me for being so respectful and friendly to ‘the help’ and who introduced me to people by how many millions they were worth is now the president of the United States,” Harth told the Guardian. “I watched him judge women solely on their youthful looks and attractiveness to him whether they were in a beauty contest or not. He was elected by hard-working, blue-collar workers and women: the same people he showed utter disdain for when I worked with him and spent time with him on a personal level.“I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the man who used to get annoyed at me for being so respectful and friendly to ‘the help’ and who introduced me to people by how many millions they were worth is now the president of the United States,” Harth told the Guardian. “I watched him judge women solely on their youthful looks and attractiveness to him whether they were in a beauty contest or not. He was elected by hard-working, blue-collar workers and women: the same people he showed utter disdain for when I worked with him and spent time with him on a personal level.
“Trump will always be a cartoon character to me,” she continued, “all show and no go. He pulled off the biggest con possible. Now time will tell what happens next. I’m hoping for the best, I really am, but afraid he will leave many of us as roadkill.”“Trump will always be a cartoon character to me,” she continued, “all show and no go. He pulled off the biggest con possible. Now time will tell what happens next. I’m hoping for the best, I really am, but afraid he will leave many of us as roadkill.”
She added that she was “saddened” that voters had fallen for “his superficial tough guy act”, explaining that the biggest laugh to her was how “loyal” Trump is supposed to be, misinformation she said the media had helped spread. “I personally witnessed and experienced the opposite from him. He promised big things and never delivered. He turned on and hurt me and other friends and colleagues who were good to him, helped him, did what they promised they would do and were loyal and supportive to him. He used me [and] my colleagues for his own purpose and is now using the American people to get the power and adulation he always craved.”She added that she was “saddened” that voters had fallen for “his superficial tough guy act”, explaining that the biggest laugh to her was how “loyal” Trump is supposed to be, misinformation she said the media had helped spread. “I personally witnessed and experienced the opposite from him. He promised big things and never delivered. He turned on and hurt me and other friends and colleagues who were good to him, helped him, did what they promised they would do and were loyal and supportive to him. He used me [and] my colleagues for his own purpose and is now using the American people to get the power and adulation he always craved.”
5.33pm GMT
17:33
Last night: President Barack Obama said that Donald Trump will continue America’s commitment to the Nato alliance.
Speaking in the White House on Monday, after his conversation with president-elect Trump, Obama says he will aim to reassure Nato partners during his trip to Europe.
5.13pm GMT
17:13
Bernie Sanders swept into New York City last night and urged his supporters to continue mobilising against Donald Trump, at a book signing just 10 blocks south of the president-elect’s home, Adam Gabbatt reports.
Sanders’ appearance, after days of protests against Trump in several cities, came as the Vermont senator’s supporters outlined plans for a “Tea Party of the left”, aimed at combating Trump’s presidency and sweeping progressive Democrats to power in the 2018 midterm elections.
Hundreds of Sanders’ supporters – some of whom had spent the night out on the streets – had lined up along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to meet the Vermont senator. Trump Tower, where Trump has been holed up selecting his cabinet, was almost visible in the distance. When Sanders arrived, he urged his supporters to continue to oppose the incoming president’s plans.
“I think what they have to understand is that more than ever it is imperative for the American people to be involved in the political process. Many of the positions that Trump advocated during the campaign are positions not shared by the majority of American people,” Sanders said.
“So our job is to mobilise our people and make sure that Trump listens on issue after issue to what the American people want.”
The Vermont senator was in New York to promote his book Our Revolution, which tells the story of his unlikely presidential bid and sets out his vision for the future of the progressive movement. Our Revolution, which was published on Tuesday, is already the top-selling book on Amazon – an indication of Sanders’ enduring popularity.
Gregory Fritz Jr, 39, had been waiting outside Barnes and Noble, in Midtown Manhattan, since 6.30pm on Sunday night. He had driven from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and slept under “a couple of blankets” in order to be the first in line to meet Sanders.
“He changed my life,” Fritz Jr said. “He made me a better person. He opened my eyes.”
4.52pm GMT
16:52
President-elect Donald Trump may not be speaking to reporters, but he is tipping his hand when discussing potential Cabinet nominees with Carl Icahn:
1/2 Spoke to @realDonaldTrump. Steve Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross are being considered for Treasury and Commerce. Both would be great choices.
2/2 Both are good friends of mine but, more importantly, they are two of the smartest people I know.
Steven Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker and onetime Hillary Clinton backer who oversaw Trump’s finance efforts, has directly given more than $95,000 to political campaigns in the past 20 years: $8,200 directly to Clinton over the course of her campaigns for the Senate, and for the presidency in 2008. Separately, during Mitt Romney’s 2012 campaign, Mnuchin contributed $22,500 to Romney Victory, Inc and more than $23,000 to various other ways to support Romney including the Republican National Committee.
Wilbur Ross is an investor whose main claim to fame is building a billion-dollar financial empire on restructuring failing companies.
4.38pm GMT
16:38
From the long-suffering transition pool:
Mike Pence and his wife just arrived through the Trump Bar in the lobby of Trump Tower. He walked past reporters without saying anything or answering any of the questions shouted at him, despite an aide having said he would make a statement. One reporter shouted out a question about Ben Carson, another asked about reports of disarray in the transition team. Pence got into an elevator with aides and vanished from view.
4.34pm GMT
16:34
Dr. Ben Carson turns down unspecified role in Trump administration
Retired neurosurgeon and political surrogate of questionable utility Dr. Ben Carson has officially turned down a chance to serve in president-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet, according to his business manager and close advisor.
“Dr. Carson was never offered a specific position, but everything was open to him,” Armstrong Williams told The Hill today. “Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience, he’s never run a federal agency. The last thing he would want to do was take a position that could cripple the presidency.”
Carson was one of the first of Trump’s vanquished opponents in the Republican presidential primary to endorse the New York real estate tycoon’s candidacy, and had been a rumored candidate to serve as the head of the departments of education or health and human services.
4.17pm GMT
16:17
Samantha Bee has criticized Donald Trump’s first confirmed cabinet choices and rumored candidates as a “parade of misfits, deplorables, zealots and extremists,” Benjamin Lee reports.
On the latest episode of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, the comedian joked that “Donald Trump is assembling a White House staff after Barack Obama has told him that’s a thing presidents have to do.”
She spoke about the reality TV star’s controversial choice to hire “white nationalist” Steve Bannon as his top adviser, referring to him as “the milkshake that brings all the deplorables to the yard”.
Bee went on to criticize Paul Ryan for refusing to denounce Bannon, after he claimed he couldn’t speak on his extreme views because he didn’t know him.
“I guess Paul Ryan’s vigorous vetting process for determining whether someone is bad consists of two questions: have I met them and do they have a private email server?” she said.
4.00pm GMT
16:00
House speaker Paul Ryan, at his weekly press conference:
Welcome to the dawn of a new unified Republican government.
When asked about some of Steve Bannon’s most aggressive past statements and those of his website, including those targeting women, Jews and Catholics, Ryan was dismissive.
“This is a person who helped him win an incredible victory on an incredible campaign,” Ryan said. “I’m not looking backwards; I’m looking forwards.”
Updated
at 4.03pm GMT
3.48pm GMT
15:48
From the long-suffering transition pool:
Trump spokeswoman Jessica Ditto tells reporters that Mike Pence should arrive in about 15 minutes or so. Also: We are told the campaign is working on getting some sort of briefing room set up in New York but unknown when that might happen.
Other notes:
-- A member of Trump’s security team asked reporters not to rush at staff members as they arrive, saying that if we continue to do so, they will install barriers. We are still shouting out questions. At 10:30am, a velvet rope went up, presumably for Pence’s arrival.
-- Another arrival just before 10am: Don McGahn, Trump’s lawyer. And at 10:14am: Bryan Lanza, who oversees surrogates.
-- Charlie Kirk left at 9:40am, according to eagle-eyed Francesca Chambers.
3.36pm GMT
15:36
Nomination watch: The New York Times reports that former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, a loyal backer of president-elect Donald Trump during even the darkest days of the campaign, is the frontrunner to head the state department under Trump’s administration.
Giuliani, who has no foreign policy experience beyond strong advocacy for the War on Terror, has highlighted his role after the September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks as a foreign-policy qualification in the past.
“I am the only one here who actually has had to face an Islamic terrorist attack,” Giuliani said in a Republican presidential debate in 2008, when he briefly sought the party’s nomination. “With regard to foreign policy, I’ve negotiated with governments when I was in the Justice Department. I worked on a task force on terrorism in the 1970s.”
Although former UN ambassador John Bolton is also seen as a contender for the role, Giuliani has reportedly been lobbying aggressively for the position, and Trump is inclined to reward the only major backer who advocated on his behalf after the release of video fro 2005 showed the now-president-elect bragging about sexually assaulting women.
3.26pm GMT
15:26
President Obama reaffirms US commitment to Nato ahead of Trump administration
Speaking at a press conference in Athens at the beginning of his final international tour as president of the United States, Barack Obama told reporters that the United States was committed to its Nato allies, an attempt to alleviate the concerns of Nato members who have taken seriously president-elect Donald Trump’s threats to abandon members of the treaty organization if they don’t “pay their fair share.”
Standing with Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, Obama commended Greece “for being one of the five Nato allies that spends 2% of GDP on defense, a goal that we have consistently set but not everybody has met.”
“Greece has done this even during difficult economic times,” Obama continued. “If Greece can meet this Nato commitment, all our Nato allies should be able to do so.”
During his most recent discussions with Trump, the future president “expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships,” Obama said at a press conference on Monday. “And so, one of the messages I will be able to deliver is his commitment to Nato and the transatlantic alliance.”