In Washington, President Donald Trump raised questions on Thursday regarding NATO’s commitment to defend the United States if it were attacked. This skepticism arises despite the organization’s prior invocation of its mutual defense agreement following the September 11 attacks, which was the only time in NATO’s history that such a guarantee was activated.
Trump also signaled the possibility that the U.S. might retract its alliance commitments if NATO member countries fail to meet defense spending benchmarks. His comments came one day after his nominee for NATO ambassador reassured senators of the U.S.’s strong commitment to the military alliance. Trump’s ongoing criticism of NATO, an alliance established to counter Soviet threats during the Cold War, centers on his belief that other member countries do not contribute fairly to defense costs. This criticism emerges amid global concern over Trump’s seemingly amicable rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a leader who perceives NATO as a challenge, and as Trump seeks to persuade Ukraine regarding a peace accord with Russia following their 2014 conflict.
Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth caused controversy within NATO by declaring that the U.S. would abstain from participating in any peacekeeping operations in Ukraine, a non-NATO member, and would not defend any allied nation involved in such efforts if attacked by Russia.
In the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump questioned whether other nations would come to the U.S.’s aid, despite historical evidence to the contrary with the only activation of Article 5 post-9/11. He 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.”
President Emmanuel Macron of France reacted to Trump’s remarks by asserting that France has always stood with the U.S., referencing the historical ties between the countries during the American Revolution and both World Wars. Macron emphasized the enduring friendship and partnership between the nations, especially in light of recent commemorations of shared military history.
When questioned about the U.S. potentially not defending NATO allies who fail to meet the military spending target, 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.” Since his 2016 campaign, Trump has suggested that under his leadership, the U.S. might disregard NATO’s mutual defense commitments unless countries meet the 2% GDP military spending target.
The United States remains the most formidable member of NATO, with the largest economy and defense budget. Established after World War II, NATO’s membership has expanded from its original count of 12 nations to 32, with Article 5 stipulating that an assault on one member is an attack on all.
Trump also implied that the U.S. position on NATO could be utilized in trade negotiations, as he contends that the existing trade policies of some nations, like the European Union, are unfair. He commented on NATO by saying, “I view NATO as potentially good, but you’ve got to get, you’ve got to get some good thinking in NATO. It’s very unfair, what’s been happening. Until I came along, we were paying close to 100% of NATO. So think of it, we’re paying 100% of their military, and they’re screwing us on trade.”
Meanwhile, Matt Whitaker, Trump’s pick for NATO ambassador, reassured during his confirmation hearing that the U.S.’s loyalty to NATO, and in particular Article 5, remains “ironclad.” Last year, NATO reported that a record 23 of its 32 members had achieved the alliance’s defense spending targets, a development Trump attributes to his assertive stance, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledging Trump’s role in prompting increased investments from other nations.
