US President Donald Trump discussed potential withdrawal from NATO at a White House briefing on Wednesday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the alliance’s response to the recent US-Israeli war with Iran, stating it had failed as a test.
Leavitt said member states declined to provide direct military support beyond defensive measures. She described this as “quite sad that NATO turned its back on the American people,” who have long funded the alliance’s defense.
Trump met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House before the briefing. Leavitt said Trump was preparing for a frank and candid conversation with Rutte.
Rutte described the talks as frank and open in an interview with CNN. He acknowledged US frustration but noted that NATO allies had provided support through logistics and access to military bases.
Asked if Trump had raised withdrawing from NATO or reducing support, Rutte said there was disappointment but noted Trump had listened to his arguments. He reiterated his support for Trump’s leadership.
Trump has long had a strained relationship with NATO, alternating between criticism and reassurances of US commitment. Since returning to office in 2025, he has renewed pressure on European allies to increase defense spending.
At the 2025 NATO summit, members agreed to nonbinding targets to raise defense budgets to 5% of GDP by 2035, though tensions persisted, including disputes with Spain over exemptions. Relations were further strained by Trump’s past threats to take control of Greenland, which he argued was vital to US security, drawing strong opposition from European leaders.
Following the launch of the US-Israeli war against Iran in February, Trump also criticized European allies for not contributing more actively to the campaign. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the administration is now considering reducing its military footprint in Europe, including possible closures or troop withdrawals from countries like Spain and Germany.
When asked if the US could leave NATO, Leavitt said the option had been discussed and could be addressed following Trump’s talks with Rutte.