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Tensions are escalating as former President Trump has expressed frustration with NATO countries, criticizing them for their lack of support in the U.S. military campaign. This discontent has fueled his threats to potentially withdraw the United States from the alliance.
The White House has intensified these discussions, suggesting that the possibility of the U.S. exiting NATO might be considered during Trump’s upcoming meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.
In a statement released by his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, Trump conveyed his disappointment, stating that when the U.S. engaged in conflict with Iran, NATO allies “were tested and failed” by not supporting the United States.
Trump further expressed his dismay, remarking, “It’s quite disheartening that NATO has turned its back on the American people over the past six weeks, especially considering it is the American people who have been financing their defense.”
When questioned about the possibility of the U.S. leaving NATO, Leavitt confirmed that “it’s a topic the president has considered, and it will likely be a point of discussion with Secretary-General Rutte in the coming hours.”
Trump has repeatedly threatened to pull out of the 77-year security alliance with Canada, the UK, France and 28 other European countries as early as his first term.
He’s long argued they’ve been too dependent on the powerful US military for propping up NATO, saying other member nations should increase their defence spending.
But Congress would have to approve a withdrawal from NATO, which appears unlikely.
Trump has said previously he and Rutte have a good relationship, describing the former Dutch prime minister as a “wonderful person”.
But that’s been put to the test over the past six weeks, with the US president describing NATO as a “paper tiger” for not joining strikes against Iran.
Trump was especially angry with alliance countries for not offering to help secure the Strait of Hormuz – where one-fifth of the world’s oil flows through.
He insisted it was not the American military’s job but the responsibility of countries that depend on the flow of oil through it.
“Go to the strait and just take it,” Trump said last week.
Trump was also angered as NATO allies Spain and France forbade or restricted use of their airspace or joint military facilities for the US in the war.
They and other nations, however, agreed to help with an international coalition to open the Strait of Hormuz when the conflict ends.
– With Associated Press
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