According to a report by Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet citing British newspaper The Daily Telegraph, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering withdrawing the United States from NATO. The report states that Trump made the comments in response to questions about reviewing U.S. membership in the defense alliance following the Iran conflict.
When asked if he would reconsider NATO membership, Trump reportedly responded, "Oh, I would say it's beyond reconsidering." The president added, "I have never been convinced about NATO. I knew all along that it is a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, for that matter."
Oh, I would say it's beyond reconsidering.
The report indicates that the United States has shown strong dissatisfaction with NATO allies' unwillingness to provide military assistance in the Iran conflict. This alleged frustration appears to be a key factor in the reported consideration of withdrawing from the alliance.
The comments, if accurate, would represent a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and could potentially destabilize the Western military alliance that has been a cornerstone of transatlantic security since its founding in 1949.
I have never been convinced about NATO. I knew all along that it is a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, for that matter.