The US president slammed European countries for refusing to make military contributions to the war against Iran.
Published April 8, 2026
US President Donald Trump has reportedly discussed withdrawing from NATO, the transatlantic alliance that has been a central pillar of Western security for decades.
At a press conference on Wednesday, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt claimed that the US and Israel’s war against Iran is a “test” that shows the alliance has failed.
Recommended stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
Despite pressure from President Trump, NATO allies had refused to make military contributions to the war other than defensive operations.
Levitt’s comments came just before President Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House.
“I have words directly from the President of the United States about NATO that I want to share with you. They have been tried and they have failed,” Levitt said.
“Let me add that it is very sad that NATO has turned its back on the American people over the past six weeks. It is the American people who have been funding NATO’s defense.”
Trump was preparing to have a “very frank and frank conversation” with Rutte that afternoon, she continued.
U.S. presidents have had a complicated relationship with NATO, at times threatening to extract U.S. support and at other times reassuring allies of America’s continued commitment to the alliance.
Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has renewed his efforts to pressure NATO’s European partners to increase defense spending.
Last June, he almost succeeded at the 2025 NATO summit. NATO members agreed to a non-binding commitment to increase defense budgets to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035.
But Spain has asked for an exemption, and President Trump has repeatedly criticized the country over the past year.
Tensions between the United States and its European allies escalated last year when President Trump threatened to use military force to seize Denmark’s autonomous territory of Greenland, claiming ownership of it is essential to national security.
The United States distanced itself from these threats. But President Trump continues to insist that U.S. ownership of Greenland is necessary, despite strong protests from local residents and European leaders.
After the United States and Israel unilaterally launched a war against Iran on February 28, President Trump slammed European countries for their lack of interest in contributing to the war.
Many legal scholars consider this war to be an act of aggression that violates international law.
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that the Trump administration is considering shutting down U.S. military bases or moving troops from countries such as Spain and Germany as punishment for its stance on war.
Asked by reporters whether President Trump was considering leaving NATO, Mr. Levitt said it was something the president had “discussed” and that he could mention it after his meeting with Mr. Rutte.
Trump and Rutte appear to have a close relationship. Rutte visited the White House multiple times during President Trump’s second term, including in March, July, August and October of last year.
Rutte has warned in the past that NATO “will not work” without US support.
