This is one of Donald Trump’s most reckless statements in recent memory — and that’s saying something.

Speaking in South Carolina, Trump told the story of when one of the presidents of a big European country asked him what the U.S. would do if they were attacked by Russia.

Trump responded: “No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage [Russia] to do whatever the hell they want.”

His statement is completely unhinged and should concern every single American, not to mention the message it sends to European democracies — and Vladimir Putin.

Donald Trump wants to be president of… what country again?

This is why I worked for years to pass a law blocking any president from leaving NATO. And it’s one reason I’m fighting so hard to win reelection — to ensure we have a Democratic Senate that could serve as a backstop to a potential Trump presidency.

We have to send a message that pro-Putin comments like these cannot be allowed from someone who wants to be President of the United States. Will you help send that message and work to hold our Democratic majority by donating $20 or more to my campaign and GA Dems today?

As long as I’m in the Senate, I will not allow any president to abandon our allies. NATO and the future for democracy it ensures is too important.

Thanks for your support,

Tim Kaine