President Donald Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday amid escalating tensions over the alliance’s response to the conflict with Iran. The meeting addressed the possibility of the US leaving NATO, a topic acknowledged by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump expressed disappointment that allies did not join the US and Israel in war against Iran, accusing them of “turning their back” on the American people and stating NATO “wasn’t there.” He also said allies “failed” when tested. Rutte described the discussions as “very frank” and “open” between “two good friends,” noting Trump was “clearly disappointed” by the lack of support.
Reports suggest Trump is considering withdrawing US troops from some NATO countries and potentially shifting them to nations viewed more favorably. The president, long a skeptic of the alliance, has repeatedly threatened withdrawal and denounced European partners for declining to contribute to the war effort. Rutte, known as a key figure in efforts to appease Trump, engaged in talks to address the concerns.