US President Donald Trump criticized NATO, calling the alliance disappointing and claiming its members only respond when pressured.
“None of these people, including our own very disappointing NATO, understands anything unless they are pressured!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with NATO allies and has previously threatened that the United States could withdraw from the alliance. His latest remarks came after a meeting on Wednesday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Following the meeting, Trump complained that NATO “was not there” when he needed it and predicted it would not be available in the future either. His criticism comes amid tensions over the alliance’s role in global conflicts, particularly regarding the situation involving Iran.
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Trump has alternated between urging NATO allies to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and downplaying the need for their assistance. European NATO members have declined to get involved in reopening the key shipping route, which was blocked by Iran in response to a conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Rutte acknowledged that Trump appeared “clearly disappointed” with NATO but said he remained receptive during their discussions. The two-hour meeting at the White House followed a temporary ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and gas supplies.
In recent days, Trump had again raised the possibility of the United States leaving NATO due to what he sees as insufficient support from allies in the Iran conflict.
Rutte, speaking to CNN, said it is true that not all European nations have met their defense commitments and expressed understanding of Trump’s frustration. However, when asked directly whether Trump discussed withdrawing from NATO, Rutte avoided a clear answer, instead noting that the alliance is undergoing a “transformation” and that European members are increasing their focus on defense responsibilities.
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During his visit to Washington, Rutte also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to the State Department, discussions included the Iran conflict and ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as strengthening coordination and burden-sharing within NATO.
