WASHINGTON — President Trump on Thursday questioned whether NATO would defend the U.S. if attacked, despite the alliance invoking its defense guarantee following 9/11, the only time it has ever done so.
Trump also hinted that the U.S. might withdraw its support for NATO if member nations don’t meet their defense spending goals. This statement came a day after his nominee for NATO ambassador assured senators of the administration’s unwavering commitment to the alliance.
Trump’s critical remarks about NATO, an organization created to counter Soviet aggression during the Cold War, align with his long-standing criticism that it isn’t contributing enough financially to its defense. These comments are particularly concerning given the West’s growing unease about Trump’s friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin, who views NATO as a threat, and as Trump pressures Ukraine to accept a peace agreement with Russia.
Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth caused turmoil within the alliance by stating that the U.S. would not participate in any peacekeeping force in Ukraine, a non-NATO member, or defend any nation involved in it if attacked by Russia.
On Thursday, Trump said in the Oval Office that other nations wouldn’t defend the U.S., despite their doing so when Article 5 was invoked.
“The biggest issue I have with NATO? I know the people well, they’re my friends. But if the U.S. had a problem and asked for help from France or others, would they protect us? They’re supposed to, but I’m not sure,” he said.
Article 5 was activated after the September 11, 2001, attacks, leading to NATO’s largest operation in Afghanistan, in which France participated.
“We are loyal and faithful allies,” responded French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, conveying “respect and friendship” to U.S. leaders.
“I think we’re entitled to expect the same,” he added.
Macron referenced historical ties, mentioning the Marquis de Lafayette and Gen. John Pershing. He also noted his recent meeting with American World War II veterans who landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion.
France and the U.S. “have always supported each other,” Macron stated.
When asked if it was now U.S. policy not to defend NATO countries that don’t meet spending targets, Trump said, “It’s common sense. If they don’t pay, I won’t defend them.”
Since his 2016 campaign, Trump has suggested that the U.S. might not honor NATO’s mutual defense guarantees and would only defend countries that commit 2% of their GDP to military spending.
The U.S., a founding member of NATO, is the alliance’s most powerful nation with the largest economy and highest defense spending.
The U.S. was among the 12 nations that formed NATO after World War II to counter the Soviet Union’s threat to Western Europe. It has since grown to 32 members. Article 5, its core defense guarantee, states that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
Trump also implied that U.S. commitment to NATO could be used in his trade disputes, targeting what he considers unfair trade practices by other nations, including the EU.
“I see NATO as potentially good, but it needs better thinking. It’s very unfair. Before I came along, we were paying almost 100% of NATO. We’re paying for their military while they’re taking advantage of us on trade,” Trump said.
On Wednesday, Matt Whitaker, Trump’s nominee for NATO ambassador, affirmed at his confirmation hearing that the U.S. commitment to NATO, particularly Article 5, “will be ironclad.”
Last year, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg noted that a record 23 of NATO’s 32 members had met the alliance’s defense spending target.
Trump has claimed credit for these nations meeting their targets due to his threats, and Stoltenberg has acknowledged Trump’s role in encouraging increased spending.
—Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Brussels contributed to this report.
