The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has once again brought back the messages about retaliation and even a possible withdrawal of his country from NATO that marked the early years of his first term. Trump is upset, very upset, by the refusal of European countries and Canada to get involved in the Iran war. He constantly says that their help is not needed because the US is the most powerful country in the world. But he "will not forget" those who seem satisfied with the attacks but refuse to participate.
Over the weekend, he warned in an interview with Financial Times. "If there is no response or if the response is negative, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO," he said about his request for them to join an international fleet to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. And this morning, he went further in a post on his social media: "Most of our 'allies' in NATO have informed the United States that they do not wish to get involved in our military operation against the terrorist regime of Iran in the Middle East; this, despite the fact that almost all countries firmly agreed with our actions and that, under no circumstances or in any way, can Iran be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. However, their actions do not surprise me, as I have always considered NATO —an organization in which we spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year to protect these countries— as a one-way street: we protect them, but they do nothing for us, especially in times of need," he wrote.
Just as he did on Monday, Trump repeated in a few minutes an idea and its opposite. Demanding support but emphasizing that it is entirely unnecessary and in reality, neither needed nor wanted. "Given the tremendous military success we have achieved, we no longer need —nor desire— the assistance of NATO countries; "Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer 'need,' or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance - WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. We do not need the help of anyone" he wrote on his account.
His anger, especially towards the UK and Keir Starmer, escalated during a subsequent appearance with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the Oval Office. When specifically asked if he was considering retaliation, perhaps even an exit, Trump then resumed the messages from his first term, in which he repeatedly hinted at a possible break in the Alliance. Something that Brussels took very seriously, as former Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg explains in his memoirs.
"I was surprised to see that NATO —while agreeing that it was a matter of utmost importance— did not offer its support," said Trump. "No one told us, 'Oh, you shouldn't do it.' I think NATO is making an extremely foolish mistake. And I have long been saying, wondering, if NATO would ever be there for us. This is, or has been, a great test; because we don't need them, but they should have been there. Because you know, and it is important, that we were not obligated to be there for Ukraine."
When journalists pressed him, Trump addressed the possibility of more drastic measures, although stating that he has nothing specific in mind. "We have spent trillions of dollars on NATO, many trillions of dollars. It is one of the reasons we have a deficit (...) it is certainly something we should consider. I don't need Congress to make that decision; as you probably know, I can make that decision on my own. I have worked with very smart people —and, in any case, I would always deal with Congress—, but I don't need Congress for that decision," he warned.
"But, you know, when they say 'are we thinking about...', I have nothing in mind at the moment; however, I will say that I am not particularly thrilled with the assistance we provide them regarding Ukraine," he concluded.