U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO once again, accusing the alliance of deserting the United States during its war with Iran. His comments came after a private meeting lasting more than two hours with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday.
In a post on Truth Social following the discussion, Trump wrote: “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN.” He also alluded to earlier tensions, declaring, “REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”
Rutte told CNN the exchange was “very frank” and “very open” despite their disagreements. Although the White House shared no specifics, the talks aimed to persuade Trump that staying in the alliance benefits both America and himself.
Trump’s frustration centres on Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led campaign launched in late 2025 against Iran’s nuclear facilities and proxies, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and drove up global oil prices. He argues that key European members provided too little help, compounding long-running complaints about inadequate defence budgets. Only 11 of 32 nations met NATO’s two per cent GDP target last year.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this on Wednesday, relaying Trump’s words that NATO was “tested and they failed.” She said alliance countries had turned their backs on the American people, who fund their nations’ defence, and predicted a very frank and candid conversation with Rutte.
The Dutch leader offered a different view, noting to CNN that the large majority of European nations has been helpful with basing, with logistics, with overflights. “It’s therefore a nuanced picture,” Rutte said. He insisted the world is “absolutely” safer now, crediting Trump’s leadership for degrading Iran’s nuclear threat, which most allies regard as a lawful and necessary step.
With Trump threatening to quit the 32-nation pact amid these strains, the alliance faces its biggest challenge yet. A 2023 U.S. law requires Senate supermajority approval for any withdrawal.