WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump launched a renewed attack on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, arguing that the transatlantic military alliance would struggle to function effectively without the United States and accusing member states of failing to stand by Washington in times of need.
“NATO cannot do anything without us,” Trump said in strongly worded remarks, reiterating his long-standing criticism that the United States bears a disproportionate share of the alliance’s military and financial burden.
He expressed frustration over what he described as a refusal by NATO allies to support US-led operations, comparing their stance to that of South Korea and Japan, which he claimed had also declined to participate in certain military engagements.
Trump reiterated his view that many allied nations depend heavily on American defense capabilities while contributing insufficiently themselves — a complaint he frequently raised during his presidency. He warned that such imbalances could compel Washington to reconsider its commitments to collective defense arrangements.
The remarks come at a time of heightened global tensions, with security concerns spanning multiple regions, including the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Founded in 1949, NATO remains one of the world’s most powerful military alliances, built on the principle of collective defense under Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
While Trump’s comments reflect a long-running debate within the United States over burden-sharing, NATO officials have consistently emphasized the alliance’s unity and pointed to increased defense spending by European members in recent years.
Analysts warn that continued criticism from influential US political figures could deepen divisions within the alliance and raise uncertainty about its future role in global security, particularly if Washington signals a reduced commitment to its traditional leadership role.
