President Biden delivered a rousing address at the NATO summit, highlighting the alliance's importance and announcing a historic donation of air defense equipment to Ukraine. The summit comes amid concerns about Biden's mental acuity, but the president appeared strong and engaged.
President Joe Biden addressed world leaders at the NATO summit in Washington D.C. Tuesday evening, delivering a strong opening address that sought to quell concerns about his fitness for the presidency and continued re-election campaign.
Biden welcomed foreign leaders to the summit, touting the strength of NATO and looking ahead to the future. He emphasized the need for collective strength against autocrats and terrorist groups, and vowed that Ukraine would prevail in its war against Russia.
Biden Hails NATO's Strength at 75th Anniversary Summit, Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
"Today, NATO is more powerful than ever," Biden said. "It’s good that we’re stronger than ever because this moment in history calls for our collective strength. Autocrats want to overturn global order, which is by and large, kept for nearly 80 years and counting. Terrorist groups continue to plot evil schemes, cause mayhem and chaos and suffering in Europe. Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues and Putin wants nothing less than Ukraine’s total subjugation to end Ukraine."
Biden announced a historic donation of air defense equipment to Ukraine, with the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy providing equipment for five additional strategic air defense systems.
Biden Hails NATO's Strength at 75th Anniversary Summit, Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
He also awarded NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praising his leadership during a "consequential period in its history."
The three-day summit will focus on ways to reassure Ukraine of NATO's enduring support and offer hope to its citizens that the country can survive the war.
Biden Hails NATO's Strength at 75th Anniversary Summit, Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
Biden's address came at a crucial time for his presidency, as concerns about his mental acuity have been raised. However, sources told Fox News Digital that Biden has been personally working the phones to call Democratic colleagues, supporters, and donors to quell concerns, and the strategy appears to be working.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have come out in support of the president, along with rank-and-file Democrats in the House and top Democratic senators.
Biden Hails NATO's Strength at 75th Anniversary Summit, Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
Despite reports of top donors considering pulling their support, sources told Fox News Digital that those donors "have a multi-decade personal relationship" with Biden and remain loyal.
"The reality is, it is too late in the game to replace the guy if we want to win — that’s it," a source told Fox News Digital.
The summit continues Wednesday, with leaders scheduled to discuss a range of issues, including climate change, cyber threats, and the future of the alliance.
