US President Donald Trump again criticized NATO for not supporting the United States during the ongoing conflict with Iran, following a private meeting with the alliance’s Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN,” reiterating his frustration over what he perceives as insufficient assistance from member countries during Operation Epic Fury.
Rutte described the meeting as “very frank” and “very open,” noting that while disagreements were clear, most European nations had provided logistical and basing support, and had assisted with overflights. “It’s therefore a nuanced picture,” he told CNN.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump’s view that NATO was “tested and they failed,” accusing member nations of “turning their backs on the American people,” who finance much of the alliance’s defense.
The private talks were reportedly intended to convince Trump that remaining in NATO was in the US’s strategic interest. However, the president has publicly toyed with the idea of withdrawing from the 32-member alliance, citing prior grievances, including disputes over Greenland. Trump referenced the issue again in his post, calling Greenland a “BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”
Rutte credited Trump’s leadership with reducing Iran’s nuclear threat, stating that NATO members largely viewed the military actions as justified. Still, the US president’s deep misgivings about the alliance and its member nations persist, presenting a new test for transatlantic relations.
The episode underscores heightened tensions between Washington and its NATO partners, with the Iran conflict intensifying existing frictions and posing a significant challenge to the cohesion of the alliance.
