Trump to discuss leaving NATO in meeting with Rutte
Why it matters: The meeting could lead to the U.S. withdrawing from the 77-year-old NATO alliance or relocating American troops from member countries.
- US President Donald Trump is meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte to discuss potential U.S. withdrawal from the alliance or troop movements as punishment.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Trump would discuss a possible withdrawal from NATO, expressing disappointment that "NATO turned their backs on the American people" over the Iran conflict.
- The Wall Street Journal reported Trump is also considering punishing unhelpful NATO members by moving US troops out of their countries.
- NATO is criticized by Trump for refusing to back the U.S. in the Iran war, limiting U.S. forces' use of bases, and not leading efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump branded a "paper tiger."
- Mark Rutte, the former Dutch premier, is dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his skill in managing the US leader, and their meeting is being held behind closed doors.
President Trump is holding high-stakes talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte, reportedly to discuss the possibility of the U.S. leaving NATO or punishing unhelpful members by withdrawing troops, following the alliance's perceived lack of support in the Iran conflict. The White House confirmed Trump's intent to discuss withdrawal, while the Wall Street Journal noted the alternative of troop movements as a punitive measure.
