Trump blasts NATO, revives Greenland threat after meeting with Mark Rutte
US President Donald Trump has criticized NATO for not supporting the US during the Iran conflict, stating "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN"
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has once again issued a stern warning to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). On Wednesday, he said, "NATO hasn't been there when we needed it, and it probably won't be there if we need it again."
Trump referred to Greenland as "a big chunk of ice that's being mismanaged." His comments appeared to unsettle NATO leadership. The comments came after a closed-door meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the meeting, Trump reiterated his displeasure and complaints about NATO.
Earlier, when Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and gas prices began to rise, Trump indicated that the US might consider withdrawing from NATO if NATO member states did not cooperate. Following the meeting, Trump also expressed his displeasure on social media, writing in bold letters that NATO did not stand with the US during the crisis. However, the White House did not immediately comment.
The meeting came after a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which included a provision for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had previously warned that he could attack Iranian power plants and bridges if necessary. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt also acknowledged that the issue of withdrawing from NATO was discussed.
It's worth noting that a law was passed in 2023 during former President Joe Biden's term, requiring congressional approval for any US president to withdraw from NATO. Trump has long been a critic of NATO. Even during his first term, he claimed he had the right to unilaterally withdraw from the organization.
NATO was founded in 1949 to ensure European security against the threat from the Soviet Union. It currently has 32 member states, and its core principle is collective defense—under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This provision has been invoked only once so far, in support of the United States after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Despite this, Trump accused NATO of not cooperating in the context of ongoing tensions with Iran.
Trump also expressed displeasure with NATO's stance on Greenland. It's worth noting that Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark. Earlier this year, Trump had demanded US control over it, though he later softened his stance. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met separately with Mark Rutte before the meeting. According to the State Department, the two leaders discussed issues such as the Iran crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and increased coordination and responsibility-sharing among NATO allies.