US President Donald Trump вновь criticized NATO following a meeting with Secretary-General Mark Rutte, accusing the alliance of failing to support the United States during the conflict with Iran.
“NATO WAS NOT THERE WHEN WE NEEDED IT, AND IT WILL NOT BE THERE IF WE NEED IT AGAIN,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. He also referenced Greenland, reiterating past remarks about US interest in the territory controlled by Denmark, a NATO member.
Rutte acknowledged that Trump appeared “clearly disappointed” with the alliance during their meeting at the White House but said the US president remained “receptive” to arguments regarding Europe’s position on the Iran conflict. Speaking to CNN, Rutte admitted that not all European nations have met their defense commitments, saying he understood Trump’s frustration.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted around two hours, followed Trump’s recent suggestion that the United States could withdraw from NATO due to insufficient allied support. When asked whether Trump raised the possibility directly, Rutte avoided a clear answer, instead emphasizing that the alliance is undergoing a “transformation” and that European countries are willing to take on greater defense responsibilities.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: Trump announces two-week ceasefire (with videos)
During his visit to Washington, Rutte also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to the State Department, discussions included the Iran conflict, efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, and strengthening coordination among NATO allies.
Earlier, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the future of US membership in NATO remains uncertain, noting that Trump has repeatedly raised the issue.
Tensions between the United States and its allies have intensified in recent weeks, particularly over the lack of European participation in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has gone as far as calling NATO members “cowards,” describing the alliance as a “paper tiger,” and warning that the US could withdraw from the bloc.
