Rubio Defends NATO Ties as Trump Sends Mixed Messages/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with NATO leaders in Brussels to affirm U.S. support for the alliance amid rising doubts triggered by President Trump’s mixed signals. Despite Rubio’s reassurances, allies remain concerned over potential U.S. troop withdrawals and shifting strategic priorities. European leaders stress the need to bolster defense spending and prepare for reduced American support.
U.S.–NATO Tensions Under Trump – Quick Looks
- Rubio says “U.S. remains active in NATO”
- NATO allies concerned by Trump’s warming to Putin
- Trump’s new tariffs add to transatlantic tensions
- U.S. envoy Whitaker says NATO must “do its fair share”
- Rutte confirms no current plan to reduce U.S. forces
- Allies fear sudden U.S. troop withdrawals in Europe
- European leaders call for increased defense investment
- NATO seen as key to Ukraine’s continued defense
- Defense Secretary Hegseth has hinted at global shift in focus
- Canada, Europe drafting “burden shifting” plans for NATO support
Rubio Defends NATO Ties as Trump Sends Mixed Messages
Deep Look
Rubio Tries to Reassure NATO as Allies Eye Trump’s Mixed Messages With Caution
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to calm rising concerns among NATO allies on Thursday, emphasizing the United States’ continued engagement in the alliance even as President Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric and policy moves cast doubt on Washington’s long-term commitment.
Speaking from Brussels at a NATO foreign ministers meeting, Rubio downplayed widespread anxiety fueled by Trump’s repeated criticisms of NATO, his overtures to Russia, and a wave of newly imposed global tariffs affecting U.S. allies.
Rubio Urges Calm Amid Growing NATO Uncertainty
“The United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been,” Rubio said while meeting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. “Some of this hysteria and hyperbole I see in the global and domestic media about NATO is unwarranted.”
He added that Trump “has made clear he supports NATO” and that the administration seeks to strengthen the alliance by encouraging member states to boost their military capabilities.
Rubio was joined by newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker, who echoed the message while stressing shared responsibility. “Under President Trump’s leadership, NATO will be stronger and more effective than ever,” Whitaker said, but added that “every ally must do their fair share.”
Europe Wary of U.S. Strategic Intentions
Despite reassurances, European officials remain unconvinced. Trump’s mixed signals, especially his recent praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin and continued criticism of key allies like Canada and Denmark, have left NATO members uneasy.
Trump’s imposition of sweeping new tariffs on Wednesday, which target allies and adversaries alike, further strained transatlantic relations. While Canadian imports were spared additional duties, the move has deepened suspicions about the administration’s broader foreign policy objectives.
Concerns have also grown over whether the United States is preparing to scale back its military footprint in Europe.
Rutte acknowledged the concerns but downplayed any immediate threat: “There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe.”
However, European diplomats worry that a quiet but significant reduction in U.S. forces may be on the horizon.
“We need to preempt a rapid retreat, but we’ve had nothing precise from the U.S. yet,” one senior NATO official said on condition of anonymity.
A Delicate Role for NATO’s Secretary-General
As the head of the alliance, Rutte faces a challenging task: preserving close ties with the U.S. while managing deep unease within the alliance. With 100,000 American troops stationed across Europe, along with the Navy’s 6th Fleet and U.S. nuclear forces, Washington’s presence remains essential to NATO’s deterrence capability, particularly against Russia.
Rutte must walk a diplomatic tightrope — encouraging European defense spending while avoiding open conflict with Trump, whose unpredictable leadership style has rattled even longtime allies.
European Allies Pushing for Independence
European leaders are increasingly acknowledging that they may need to shoulder more of NATO’s burden in the years ahead. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said that U.S. expectations are clear:
“European NATO countries must rapidly strengthen the European pillar of NATO and increase their defense spending.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, NATO members have gradually boosted defense budgets. But Trump’s unpredictability and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent remarks about shifting U.S. focus toward Asia and homeland security have accelerated concerns about American disengagement.
Governments in Europe and Canada are now working on “burden shifting” strategies to fill potential security gaps. These include contingency plans for rapid troop deployment, expanded defense procurement, and financial contributions to NATO missions should U.S. assets be withdrawn.
Conclusion: Commitment or Realignment?
While Rubio and Whitaker insist the U.S. remains committed to NATO, allies are increasingly preparing for a future in which American support may be diminished or reprioritized. With the June NATO summit fast approaching and Trump showing no signs of clarifying his long-term strategy, European leaders are bracing for more uncertainty.
Rubio’s visit offered a momentary reprieve — but questions over Washington’s commitment remain firmly in play.
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