Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) aimed to reassure Europeans concerned about the potential of a second Trump presidency during an interview with Sky News’ Yalda Hakim. Hakim asked for Pelosi’s advice on how Europeans should deal with the prospect of Trump returning to office, expressing worries about a potential shift in favor of Russian interests and threats to NATO.
Pelosi responded by urging Europeans not to agonize but to organize, emphasizing the importance of taking action and remaining focused on winning elections. She acknowledged the strain caused by concerns over a second Trump victory but expressed skepticism about the likelihood of it happening. Pelosi suggested that Trump’s continued public statements provide an opportunity to understand his motivations more clearly.
Addressing Trump’s previous remarks, including suggesting that Russia should attack NATO countries that don’t meet their defense spending commitments, Pelosi described him as “appalling” and “grotesque.” She criticized Republicans for not distancing themselves from such statements, characterizing them as untenable and wrong. Pelosi highlighted the Senate’s recent vote on a package as a positive step, noting it as a declaration of independence. However, she expressed disappointment that the same unity has not been achieved in the House.
Pelosi expressed concern about the transformation of the Republican Party into a “cult of personality,” describing Trump as an unworthy figure for the country. Despite these challenges, she encouraged action and organization, emphasizing the need to focus on getting the job done and not allowing undue worry.
“What advice would you give to the Europeans on how to deal with [Trump]?” asked Sky News’ Yalda Hakim during a recent interview.
“Just because he says things and people say, ‘Oh, he could win,’ or this or that. Don’t agonize, organize. That’s what we say ourselves when we have to win the election,” Pelosi said, continuing:
I think it’s a strain on them to worry about something that may never happen. I mean, he won once, so people say he could win again. I don’t think that that’s so. But in the meantime, the more he speaks out, the more clearly we understand what his motivation is, and that’s an opportunity, too.
Hakim added, “Like telling Russia, Vladimir Putin, to attack NATO countries that don’t pay their two percent GDP.” Pelosi answered:
He’s appalling and, as I say, grotesque. What is more appalling is you don’t see Republicans speaking out and distancing themselves from associating with that ridiculous statement. They know that that is untenable and wrong. We have an obligation to Title 5, we believe in the work we do together in NATO, and yet they’re silent. Now, I’m very pleased with the Senate vote for the package, so that was a declaration of independence on their part in the Senate. The only thing is we don’t have that yet in the House.
You wonder, where did the Republicans go? It’s a great party, accomplished good things for our country. It turned into a cult; it turned into a cult of personality. Somebody — just an unworthy person in terms of our country. But, we just don’t — as I say — don’t agonize, just organize. Just get the job done. And that’s what we’re doing.
