Trump Questions NATO’s Commitment to Defend U.S. in Attack \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump questioned NATO’s commitment to defending the United States in case of an attack, despite the alliance invoking Article 5 after 9/11. He also suggested the U.S. may not protect NATO allies who fail to meet defense spending targets, contradicting his nominee for NATO ambassador, who called the U.S. commitment “ironclad.” The remarks sparked international criticism, including a direct response from French President Emmanuel Macron, who defended NATO’s historical loyalty.
Quick Looks
- Doubts NATO’s Commitment to U.S. – Despite NATO invoking Article 5 after 9/11, Trump claims allies might not protect the U.S.
- Ties U.S. Defense to Spending Compliance – Suggests NATO members must meet the 2% GDP target or lose U.S. military support.
- Macron Rebukes Trump – French president cites centuries of U.S.-France military cooperation.
- NATO’s Largest Operation Was for U.S. – The alliance deployed troops to Afghanistan after 9/11, including France’s military.
- Contradiction with NATO Nominee – Trump’s NATO ambassador pick insists the U.S. commitment is “ironclad”.
Deep Look
Trump Casts Doubt on NATO’s Support for the U.S.
President Donald Trump suggested Thursday that NATO members might not defend the U.S. if it were attacked, despite the alliance historically doing so after 9/11.
His remarks add to his long-standing criticism of NATO, which he claims places an unfair financial burden on the U.S.. He also hinted that the U.S. might not honor its own defense obligations if NATO allies fail to meet defense spending targets.
“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.”
Trump made these statements a day after his nominee for NATO ambassador, Matt Whitaker, assured the Senate that U.S. support for NATO is “ironclad.”
The comments come at a time of heightened global security concerns, particularly as Russia continues its war in Ukraine and NATO seeks to reinforce its presence in Eastern Europe.
NATO’s Article 5: The U.S. Has Already Been Defended
Trump’s uncertainty about NATO’s commitment directly contradicts historical precedent.
- Article 5, NATO’s collective defense clause, states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
- The only time Article 5 has ever been invoked was after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S.
- NATO’s largest military operation followed, sending troops—including French forces—to Afghanistan to fight al-Qaeda.
French President Macron Rebukes Trump
Trump’s remarks triggered an immediate response from French President Emmanuel Macron, who reminded the world of NATO’s loyalty to the U.S.
“We are loyal and faithful allies. I think we’re entitled to expect the same,” Macron said.
Macron invoked historic military partnerships, recalling:
- The Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman who helped the U.S. win independence during the Revolutionary War.
- General John Pershing, who led American forces in France during World War I.
- American WWII veterans who landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, helping to liberate France from Nazi occupation.
“France and the U.S. have always been there for each other,” Macron added.
Trump Threatens to Withhold U.S. Defense for Non-Compliant NATO Countries
Trump also suggested that NATO members failing to meet military spending targets should not expect U.S. protection.
“If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them.”
His stance is based on a long-standing demand that NATO members contribute at least 2% of their GDP to defense spending.
- Trump claims the U.S. carries too much of NATO’s financial burden.
- He argues that countries failing to meet the 2% benchmark should not receive U.S. military support.
- However, a record 23 out of 32 NATO nations have now hit the 2% target, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg crediting Trump’s pressure for increased spending.
Trump’s NATO Comments Clash with His Own Administration’s Policy
Trump’s suggestion of abandoning NATO allies contradicts his administration’s official stance.
- Matt Whitaker, Trump’s NATO ambassador nominee, testified before the Senate that the U.S. fully supports Article 5 and remains committed to NATO.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent statement also aligned with NATO principles, though he noted the U.S. would not send troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping missions.
These mixed messages fuel global uncertainty about U.S. foreign policy, raising concerns among allies about the stability of America’s commitments.
Trump Suggests Using NATO as Leverage in Trade Disputes
In addition to linking military support to defense spending, Trump hinted at using NATO as leverage in trade negotiations.
“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.”
This blurs the lines between military alliances and economic disputes, suggesting that Trump views NATO not just as a security partnership, but as a bargaining chip.
What’s Next for NATO and U.S. Foreign Policy?
With Trump doubling down on his NATO skepticism, the global implications remain uncertain.
- European Allies Seek Reassurance – NATO nations may seek stronger defense commitments from the U.S. ahead of the next NATO summit.
- Ukraine Strategy in Question – Trump’s comments come as he pressures Ukraine to agree to a peace deal with Russia, potentially altering U.S. support.
- Trade Tensions May Rise – If Trump ties NATO commitments to economic deals, U.S.-Europe trade negotiations could become more volatile.
- NATO’s Future Leadership Shift – With Trump’s unpredictability, European leaders may increase their military self-reliance, reducing dependence on the U.S.
Conclusion
Trump’s latest remarks on NATO raise fresh concerns about America’s commitment to its longstanding military alliances.
- His doubts about NATO defending the U.S. contradict historical facts—the alliance invoked Article 5 after 9/11.
- His threat to withhold U.S. military support from non-compliant NATO members could destabilize transatlantic relations.
- His trade-based view of NATO suggests he may use the alliance as a tool in economic negotiations.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, Trump’s uncertain stance on NATO could have far-reaching consequences for global security—and leave U.S. allies questioning America’s reliability.
