WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is seriously contemplating withdrawing from the NATO alliance, following the alliance’s failure to support U.S. military actions against Iran, according to an interview with The Daily Telegraph.
Trump criticized NATO, calling it a “paper tiger,” and stated that pulling out of the defense pact is now “beyond reconsideration.” He expressed longstanding skepticism about the alliance’s effectiveness, revealing that he has never been convinced of NATO’s credibility.
When asked whether he would reconsider U.S. membership in the alliance after the current conflict, Trump responded emphatically, “Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration.” He added, “I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”
The possibility of a reevaluation of the U.S.-NATO relationship has gained attention amid rising oil and fuel prices, which are straining American households and creating political challenges for Trump and his Republican allies ahead of the November midterm elections. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that about two-thirds of Americans favor a swift exit from the Iran conflict.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need for international cooperation, stating that other countries must be prepared to “stand up” and help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This echoed Trump’s criticism of NATO members, particularly Britain and France, for not contributing enough.
Senator Marco Rubio warned that Washington will not ignore the lack of assistance from NATO allies and suggested that, once the conflict concludes, the U.S. may need to “reexamine” its relationship with the alliance.
Meanwhile, reports from The Wall Street Journal reveal that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through force. The UAE is reportedly seeking a United Nations Security Council resolution to justify such action and has proposed occupying strategic islands in the region to facilitate this move.
