Relations Heat Up, Trump Signals US Exit from NATO

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the possibility of withdrawing his country from NATO amid rising tensions with Western allies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, on Wednesday (8/4), revealed that the step is being considered due to Washington’s disappointment with the alliance’s performance. “I have a direct quote from the President of the United States about NATO. I will convey it to you. They have been tested, and they have failed,” she said, quoted by Al Jazeera on Thursday (9/4). Leavitt added that the US government assesses that member countries are not providing the expected support. “It’s quite sad because NATO has turned its back on the American people for the last six weeks, even though the American people fund their defence,” she continued. The statement was made ahead of Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. In the meeting, Trump reportedly openly expressed his disappointment regarding the stance of NATO member countries. The criticism was primarily triggered by the refusal of several NATO members to help the United States secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic route was previously closed by Iran following a joint US-Israel attack, which disrupted global energy supplies. In a CNN interview after the meeting, Rutte acknowledged the tensions. “There is clearly disappointment. But at the same time, he also listened well to my arguments about what happened,” he said. Relations between the US and NATO have indeed been under pressure since Trump returned to office as president in 2025. He has repeatedly criticised the unfair burden-sharing of defence costs, assessing that Washington bears a greater expense compared to other member states. In response, at the NATO Summit in June 2025, member countries agreed to increase defence contributions to 5% of their respective gross domestic products (GDP) starting in 2035. Tensions also escalated when Trump threatened to take over Greenland territory for US strategic interests. That move prompted European countries to strengthen their military presence in the region. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, in the latest development, Trump is even considering withdrawing US troops from several NATO member countries deemed not aligned with Washington’s interests.