NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that a US withdrawal from the North Atlantic Alliance is unlikely, despite escalating criticism from US President Donald Trump.
In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Rutte emphasized that the American nuclear umbrella remains the primary guarantee of security for Europe. While acknowledging Trump’s “disappointment” with certain allies who refused to join the conflict against Iran, the Secretary General argued that the bond remains firm. “I do not see a likelihood of the US leaving NATO,” Rutte said, while calling for a “stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.”
The Secretary General’s comments follow a fresh attack by Trump during a Turning Point Action event in Arizona.
Addressing a crowd that booed the alliance, Trump declared NATO “absolutely useless” for its refusal to secure the Strait of Hormuz or provide airspace for operations. The president compared the alliance to a late campaign donor, stating that support offered after a victory “doesn’t count.” Trump also downplayed the conflict with Tehran, labeling it a mere “military excursion.”
The tension has reached a turning point for the alliance. While a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has been in place since April 8, it has not mended the rift. The White House maintains that NATO “turned its back on the American people,” reviving concerns about a potential redeployment of US troops from “less supportive” member states to more cooperative ones.
To bolster European resilience, Rutte urged member states to strengthen their defense industries and encouraged financial institutions to invest in military production. He noted that a robust industrial base is crucial for maintaining deterrence and ensuring that Europe can continue to live in safety, regardless of the political rhetoric in Washington.