Trump Questions NATO’s Defense Commitment to the U.S.
In a recent statement, President Donald Trump expressed doubts about NATO’s willingness to defend the United States in the event of an attack, despite the alliance having invoked its mutual defense clause after the September 11 attacks. Trump’s comments have reignited debates over the U.S.’s role in the seven-decade-old military alliance.
The President’s skepticism comes amidst ongoing discussions about defense spending by NATO members. Trump has persistently criticized the alliance for what he sees as unequal financial contributions, hinting at the possibility that the U.S. might reconsider its commitments if member nations fail to meet their spending targets.
Trump’s stance aligns with his longstanding critique of NATO, an organization originally established to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War. His remarks have raised concerns, particularly given his administration’s perceived rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who views NATO as a threat.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently stirred controversy by stating that the U.S. would not engage in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, nor defend countries participating in it if attacked by Russia. Ukraine, although not a NATO member, is at the center of ongoing tensions with Russia.
Trump stated, “You know the biggest problem I have with NATO? I really, I mean, I know the guys very well. They’re friends of mine. But if the United States was in trouble, and we called them, we said, ‘We got a problem, France. We got a problem, couple of others I won’t mention. Do you think they’re going to come and protect us?’ They’re supposed to. I’m not so sure.”
Article 5, the cornerstone of NATO’s mutual defense pledge, was invoked for the first time after the 2001 attacks, leading to a significant military operation in Afghanistan, with notable participation from France.
In response, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s loyalty as an ally, highlighting the historical ties between the two nations and expressing expectations of reciprocal support.
When questioned about the U.S. policy on defending NATO countries that do not meet their military spending commitments, Trump responded, “well, I think it’s common sense, right? If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them.”
Trump has hinted since his 2016 campaign that under his watch, the U.S. might only honor its defense obligations to countries that adhere to the alliance’s financial targets, requiring members to allocate 2% of their GDP to defense.
The U.S., as NATO’s most powerful member, not only has the largest economy but also invests the most in defense among the alliance’s 32 countries. NATO was originally formed post-World War II, with its mutual defense clause stating that an attack on one is considered an attack on all.
Trump also mentioned the potential leverage of NATO commitments in trade negotiations, criticizing what he perceives as unfair trade practices from the European Union.
Despite Trump’s critical stance, Matt Whitaker, nominated as NATO ambassador, assured during his confirmation hearing that the U.S. commitment to NATO remains “ironclad.”
Last year, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted that a record number of member nations have met the defense spending targets, attributing this partly to Trump’s pressure tactics.
Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Brussels contributed to this report.
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