Trump Threatens NATO Exit Following Iran War

4 hours ago 5

United States President Donald Trump delivers a press statement before boarding a Marine One helicopter on the White House lawn, Washington, D.C., United States, April 25, 2025. While he is on duty, Trump faces charges of constitutional violations related to war powers and foreign policy. This sparked strong criticism from Democratic Party politicians, who labeled him an 'international gangster.' Shutterstock

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he is considering withdrawing the United States from the NATO military alliance. The remarks were made on Wednesday, April 1, during an interview with The Telegraph, as cited by Politico.

When asked if he would reconsider U.S. membership in NATO once the Middle East conflict concludes, Trump replied, "I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration."

He also leveled heavy criticism against the alliance. "I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way," Trump said.

This stance was triggered by the refusal of NATO allies to join the United States and Israel in their offensive against Iran. European nations also rejected Washington’s request for assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy route that Iran blocked in retaliation for the bombings.

Pressure from the Secretary of State

Trump’s position was reinforced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. As reported by Euronews, Rubio suggested that Washington must review its relationship with NATO once the conflict ends.

"I think there's no doubt, unfortunately, after this conflict is concluded, we are going to have to reexamine that relationship. We're going to have to reexamine the value of NATO in that alliance for our country," Rubio said during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News.

Rubio added that he had previously been a staunch supporter of NATO in the Senate due to its strategic benefits, particularly the presence of U.S. military bases in Europe used to project global power.

However, he questioned the alliance’s relevance if access remains restricted. "If now we have reached a point where the NATO alliance means that we can't use those bases, that in fact we can no longer use those bases to defend America's interests, then NATO is a one-way street," he said.

He further highlighted the allies' refusal to provide military access. "When we need them to allow us to use their military bases, their answer is 'No?' Then why are we in NATO? You have to ask that question."

Rejection by European Allies

Several European countries have already begun restricting U.S. military access. Italy reportedly refused permission for U.S. military aircraft to land while en route to combat missions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Spain closed its airspace to U.S. aircraft conducting operations against Iran.

Trump also noted that France refused to open its airspace to U.S. military aircraft heading to the region.

Trump once again criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to support the military operation, even demeaning the strength of the British military. "You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work," Trump remarked.

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