US President Donald Trump lashed out at NATO after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, UNN reports.
NATO was not there when we needed them, and they won't be there if we need them again. Remember Greenland, that big, poorly managed piece of ice!!!
As The Hill notes, Rutte's meeting with Trump at the White House lasted about two hours on Wednesday. It came after growing frustration within the Trump administration with NATO allies over their refusal to join the US-Israeli conflict against Iran.
The NATO leader, it is noted, largely supported the US-Israeli conflict against Iran, but the alliance has recently faced threats from Trump to withdraw from NATO.
Trump made a statement regarding the US withdrawal from NATO01.04.26, 14:22
To withdraw from NATO, Trump needs the approval of the US Congress. However, there are other actions he can take to reduce cooperation, and Europeans have said that Trump's threats themselves have severely damaged NATO.
In January, Rutte successfully resolved the crisis around Greenland during the Davos summit, pushing the US president away from threats to seize the Arctic island by force and offering a framework for negotiations, the publication writes.
Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US would review its relationship with NATO after the conflict in Iran ends.
"Ultimately, that's a decision the president has to make, and he should make it," Rubio said on air.
US may reconsider NATO's role after allies refuse to support operation against Iran31.03.26, 02:00
"But I think, unfortunately, we're going to have to review whether this Alliance, which has served this country well for some time, is still performing that function, or whether it has now become a one-way street where America is simply in a position to defend Europe, but when we need the help of our allies, they will deny us the right to base and deny us the right to overfly," he added.
Rutte: Trump disappointed by NATO's refusal to fight Iran - The Guardian09.04.26, 07:16