President signals continued frustration with alliance after closed-door talks, while leaving U.S. membership status unresolved.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO following a closed-door White House meeting with Secretary General Mark Rutte, citing dissatisfaction with allied support during the recent Iran conflict.
In a post on Truth Social after the meeting, Trump wrote, “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN,” underscoring ongoing tensions between Washington and its allies.
Trump also revived his previous remarks regarding Greenland, stating, “REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!” The comment follows earlier disputes with Denmark over the Arctic territory, which had already strained relations within the alliance.
The meeting with Rutte, held privately at the White House, came amid speculation that Trump could consider reducing or ending U.S. involvement in NATO. Ahead of the talks, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said a potential withdrawal was “something the president has discussed” and expected to be part of the conversation.
Following the meeting, Rutte described the discussion as “very frank” and “very open” but did not directly address whether Trump indicated any intention to leave the alliance.
The talks occurred one day after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire following weeks of conflict. Trump has criticized NATO allies for not participating in military operations tied to the conflict and for declining to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has also described NATO as a “paper tiger,” expressing frustration over limits placed on U.S. use of allied bases and the lack of coordinated military engagement.
Reports cited by The Wall Street Journal indicate the administration is considering repositioning U.S. troops away from certain NATO countries viewed as uncooperative, rather than pursuing a full withdrawal from the alliance, which would require congressional approval.
In recent weeks, Trump has publicly criticized several allied leaders, including Keir Starmer, and raised broader concerns about defense spending commitments among NATO members.
Rutte, who previously served as prime minister of the Netherlands, has played a central role in maintaining dialogue with the Trump administration. Prior to the White House meeting, he held discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on issues including Iran, the war in Ukraine, and NATO coordination.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, those talks included discussions on U.S.-led efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and increasing burden-sharing among NATO allies.
Rutte is also scheduled to meet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his visit to Washington.
The alliance has faced renewed pressure amid geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Russia, and China, with Trump continuing to call for greater military contributions from member states and warning that U.S. support could be conditional on increased defense spending.
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