Garut PR- United States President Donald Trump is reportedly discussing the possibility of withdrawing from NATO, the transatlantic alliance that has been a key pillar of Western security for decades.
In a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the US and Israel’s war on Iran as a failed “test” for NATO.
“It’s quite sad that NATO has turned a blind eye to the American people for the last six weeks, even though the American people are funding their defense.” Leavitt said, underscoring President Trump’s disappointment with European allies.
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The comments came hours before Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. Leavitt added that Trump was ready to have a “very honest and open” conversation with Rutte.
In a post-meeting interview with CNN, Rutte called the meeting “frank and open.” He reiterated his support for Trump, although he acknowledged that NATO allies had mostly only offered logistical assistance and access to military bases.
“Is the president saying he will withdraw from NATO or at least reduce support like previous presidents?” asked CNN host Jake Tapper.
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“Obviously there was disappointment. But he also listened carefully to my arguments about the existing situation,” Rutte replied.
Trump’s relationship with NATO has always had its ups and downs. He once threatened to reduce US support, but on the other hand continued to reassure allies about America’s commitment to the alliance. Since returning to the presidency in 2025, Trump has continued to pressure European partners to increase their defense spending.
At the 2025 NATO summit, most members agreed to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, although Spain asked for an exception, prompting strong criticism from Trump. Tensions escalated when Trump threatened to use military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, which he said was important to US national security.
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After the US and Israel launched a unilateral war on Iran on February 28, Trump criticized European countries for being reluctant to contribute. Many international law experts consider this war to be an act of aggression that violates international law.
The Wall Street Journal report said that the Trump administration was considering closing US military bases or removing troops from countries such as Spain and Germany as a form of “punishment” for their behavior.
Although no final decision has been made, Leavitt confirmed that the president “has discussed” the possibility of leaving NATO, and the topic could come up after his meeting with Rutte. Trump and Rutte’s relationship is known to be close, with Rutte visiting the White House several times during Trump’s second term.
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Rutte previously warned that NATO “will not work” without the support of the United States. With tensions rising, the big question remains: will this decades-long alliance survive Trump’s next test? ***
