President Trump declared on Thursday that it’s “ridiculous” for the US to maintain its “one-sided” relationship with NATO. His comments were made just days before a summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “They were not there for us!!!” and Washington’s ties with NATO “are not reciprocal.”
He has criticized European allies over their response to Iran’s war, as several nations limited the use of bases for U.S. forces without consulting or involving them in planning.
The president has stated he might withdraw the US from the alliance, requiring Congressional approval.
Under Trump’s influence, NATO leaders agreed last year to increase defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035.
The upcoming summit will convene 32 member states in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday. The alliance, established in 1949, has evolved into a U.S.-led force that has maintained European stability for decades.”