Trump says he is considering withdrawing from NATO

Trump’s remarks on Wednesday morning sent NATO allies into a state of shock, as he clearly hinted that the United States is weighing whether to leave this transatlantic military alliance.

Asked, after the Middle East conflict ends, whether the United States would reconsider its membership status in the alliance, Trump said: “I want to say this isn’t a question of ‘reconsidering’ anymore.”

NATO allies unanimously refused to join any U.S.-Israel military strike against Iran, and they also turned down Trump’s request that they help reopen the Strait of Hormuz—this key energy shipping lane has been effectively blocked by Tehran for retaliatory bombing, a move that completely enraged Trump.

“I have never been impressed by NATO. I’ve always known they’re paper tigers, and by the way, Putin knows that too,” Trump added.

Just a few hours before he made these remarks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that after a war with Iran ends, Washington may need to take another look at its relationship with NATO—dramatically increasing pressure on U.S. European allies, with the U.S. accusing those allies of refusing to provide support.

However, Trump cannot legally withdraw from NATO unilaterally. Under a law passed in 2023 during former President Joe Biden’s tenure, leaving NATO requires the support of two-thirds of the senators, or authorization via a special act passed by Congress.

Trump also again sharply criticized Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing the UK of refusing to back the United States in the U.S.-Iran conflict and downplaying Britain’s military strength.

“You don’t even have a decent navy. Your equipment is too old, and your aircraft carriers can’t be used at all.” He mocked Britain’s fleet in this way.

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Editor: Li Zhaofu