Paris, France (CNN) â� President Joe Biden warned against a streak of âsemi-isolationismâ� in the US as he stressed the importance of alliances during a on Sunday, honoring the thousands of Americans who died in World War I at a site former President Donald Trump skipped during a 2018 visit to Paris.
âThe idea that weâre able to avoid being engaged in major battles in Europe is just not realistic. Thatâs why itâs so important that we continue to have the alliances we have, continue to beef up those alliances, continue to keep NATO strong, continue to do what weâve been able to do for the last â� since the end of World War II,â� Biden told reporters after participating in a wreath-laying ceremony.
Asked whether he believes that Americansâ� views of alliances are changing, Biden spoke broadly, but appeared to misspeak as he pointed to delayed congressional aid for Iraq, rather than Ukraine.
âI think Americans hold the view â� I think thereâs a new a rising sense of some in the country wanting to let that slip. The idea that we become semi-isolationist now, which some are talking about? I mean, the idea we had to wait all those months just to get the money for Iraq and we â� because weâre waiting â� I mean, it just â� it just â itâs not who we are. Itâs not who America is,â� Biden said.
The president has repeatedly cast blame on congressional Republicans for delaying aid to Ukraine, and to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the holdup earlier this week.
Biden said Sunday it was important for him to make the trip to Aisne-Marne to pay tribute as a show of support for alliances.
âThe idea that I come to Normandy and not make the short trip here to pay tribute â� think about it. America showed up. America showed up to stop the Germans. America showed up to make sure that they did not prevail. And America shows up when weâre needed. Just like our allies show up for us,â� he said, offering an implicit criticism of Trump, whom he did not name.
Biden has repeatedly criticized Trump for skipping the Aisne-Marne stop during his own trip. That trip was scrapped due to weather conditions and safety issues. The presidentâs Marine One helicopter cannot fly in low cloud cover, a decision that is made by military and security officials. But there did not appear to be a backup plan, and Trump did not make any statements of regret over not being able to visit the cemetery.
Biden, when asked what he hopes Americans take away from the trip, reiterated, âKnowledge that the best way to avoid these kinds of battles in the future is to stay strong with our allies. Do not break.â�
The-CNN-Wire
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