WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump stated he is “seriously considering” the possibility of withdrawing the U.S. from NATO after the alliance failed to support Washington’s military campaign in Iran.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Trump criticized NATO as a “paper tiger” and argued that the alliance has failed to meet U.S. expectations at a crucial moment.
“I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Vladimir Putin knows it too,” he said.
U.S. Frustrated by Lack of Support
President Trump asserted that NATO has not stood by the U.S., despite Washington’s previous support for European allies, including in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“We are always there when they need us. But they aren’t there when we need them,” he said.
He emphasized that the U.S. supported Ukraine even though it was “not a direct issue for the United States.”
Tensions with European Allies
President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with European nations for not joining the Iran campaign, specifically targeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The UK initially refused to allow the U.S. to use its military bases due to concerns over international law, before later adjusting its stance to permit their use for defensive purposes.
However, Trump described this response as being “too slow.”
The Hormuz Factor and Strategic Pressure
President Trump continued to call on allies to participate in protecting and reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a shipping route for approximately 20% of global oil.
NATO’s lack of direct involvement has increased pressure on the U.S. campaign in the region.
Trump’s Long-standing Stance on NATO
Trump’s skepticism toward NATO has been evident for years:
- He previously called NATO “obsolete”
- Claimed the U.S. shoulders the majority of the costs
- Consistently demanded that member countries increase defense spending
These latest remarks mark a significant escalation in tension, as it is the first time he has explicitly mentioned the possibility of withdrawing from the alliance.
Outlook
There has been no official response from NATO regarding this statement.
Experts suggest that a U.S. withdrawal from NATO, if it were to occur, would cause a massive shift in the global security architecture, particularly as hostilities in the Middle East and Europe escalate simultaneously.
