WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday sharply criticized the NATO alliance, accusing member states of failing to support Washington during the conflict with Iran and describing the bloc as ineffective.
Speaking ahead of a scheduled visit by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said he had sought assistance from allies but received little cooperation. Without naming specific countries, he claimed that several members “went out of their way” to avoid involvement.
The president went on to label NATO a “paper tiger,” asserting that Vladimir Putin does not view the alliance as a serious deterrent.
Rutte is expected to arrive in Washington later this week for high-level meetings with Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to alliance officials.
Trump also renewed his controversial proposal to annex Greenland, a territory governed by NATO member Denmark. He suggested that tensions with the alliance partly stem from disagreements over the Arctic island, stating that the United States remains interested in acquiring it despite opposition.
In addition to NATO, Trump criticized key U.S. partners outside the alliance including South Korea, Australia, and Japan for not contributing to the Iran conflict.
Conversely, he praised support from Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting their role during the crisis.
The remarks mark another escalation in Trump’s long-standing tensions with NATO, raising fresh questions about alliance unity amid ongoing global security challenges.
