President says he is “absolutely” considering withdrawal as tensions grow over allied support in Middle East operations.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Donald Trump said Wednesday he is “absolutely” considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, escalating tensions with European allies as he prepares to deliver a nationally televised address criticizing the alliance’s response to the Iran conflict.
The president’s remarks, made in comments to Reuters, come hours after similar statements to a British outlet and signal a sharper posture ahead of a scheduled 9 p.m. Eastern address in which he is expected to outline grievances with NATO members.
Trump indicated the speech will focus on what he described as a lack of cooperation from allied nations in supporting U.S. military efforts tied to Iran and security operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
The dispute centers on reluctance from several NATO countries to participate in or support U.S.-led actions in the Middle East. European governments, including those in France, Italy, and Spain, have declined requests for expanded military involvement or access to bases, stating the alliance’s mandate is focused on collective defense in Europe rather than operations in the Gulf region.
French officials told Reuters that NATO is not structured for projecting military power into the Middle East, highlighting a widening divide over the alliance’s role.
Trump has framed the disagreement as a burden-sharing issue, arguing that the United States has long supported European security while receiving limited reciprocal support during the current crisis.
The potential for a U.S. withdrawal has raised concerns in Congress, where lawmakers from both parties have previously acted to limit unilateral executive authority over NATO membership. In 2023, Congress passed legislation requiring congressional approval before any withdrawal from the alliance.
Officials including Marco Rubio and Tim Kaine have supported measures reinforcing U.S. participation in NATO, citing national security concerns and the importance of maintaining long-standing alliances.
Analysts warn that even the possibility of a U.S. exit could destabilize the alliance, which has anchored transatlantic security since its founding in 1949. They note that uncertainty surrounding U.S. commitments could weaken deterrence and create broader geopolitical instability.
The legal pathway for withdrawal remains unresolved. Administration officials have suggested that statutory limits on treaty withdrawal could face constitutional challenges, potentially leading to a court dispute if pursued.
The White House has not released full details of the upcoming address, but Trump said it will directly address what he views as NATO’s failures and outline expectations for allied cooperation moving forward.
The remarks follow weeks of strain between Washington and European capitals as NATO members distance themselves from U.S. military actions related to Iran, setting the stage for a significant test of the alliance’s cohesion.
Original article
Comments