Trump administration signals it is mulling NATO withdrawal after Iran war
Why it matters: The US considering NATO withdrawal could fundamentally alter the transatlantic alliance and its collective defense commitments.
- Donald Trump has reportedly discussed withdrawing the US from NATO, an alliance central to Western security for decades, following European partners' refusal to contribute military forces to the war on Iran.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly declared the US and Israel’s war on Iran a "test" that NATO "failed," criticizing allies for turning their backs on the American people who fund their defense.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described his meeting with Trump as "frank and open," acknowledging US disappointment but highlighting that NATO allies offered crucial support through logistics and access to bases, not just military forces.
- NATO members agreed to nonbinding commitments in June 2025 to increase their defense budgets to 5 percent of their GDP by 2035, a goal Trump has consistently pushed for since returning to the presidency.
- Spain sought an exemption from the increased defense spending commitment, leading to repeated denunciations from Trump over the past year.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering withdrawing from NATO, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the alliance "failed" a recent "test" by declining to contribute military forces to the war on Iran. While NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte acknowledged disappointment and a "frank and open" discussion with Trump, he emphasized allies provided logistical support and base access, pushing back on the notion of complete failure.
