In a recent appearance on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” U.S. Senate candidate and veteran Morgan Murphy took European allies to task for needlessly extending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
According to Murphy, many allies within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), particularly those in Europe, lack basic military capabilities and have largely relied on the United States to wage an unsuccessful proxy war against Russia.
“It’s unbelievable that our European partners aren’t stepping up to take care of this war that is in their own backyard,” Murphy told the host. “This is a European war, and frankly, we’ve got 20 European nations out there that have a smaller army than the average number of guns at a Bass Pro Shop. Literally, I’d rather go to war [on the side of] Bass Pro Shops than 20 of our 31 NATO partners. They’re more better armed.”
Murphy stressed the need for Europe to handle its own defense going forward.
“So Europe’s got to get it together. They can protect their own homeland,” he added.
Following his appearance on Newsmax, the veteran posted on X about the issue.
“Some of our European partners want to bash Trump’s peace plan for the Ukraine-Russia war, but Bass Pro Shops has more guns than the standing armies of 20 of our 31 NATO allies,” wrote Murphy.
“If Europe is so hot to end this war on Ukraine’s terms, then lead: commit troops, fund your armies, and pledge support. Russia manages to fund its war machine with an economy smaller than Italy’s.”
Murphy will be taking on U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in the 2026 U.S. Senate Republican primary.
The primary election will be held on May 19, 2026, and the general election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.
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