Donald Trump slams European allies over Iran war, says US may withdraw from NATO alliance

Washington: In a potentially massive setback to the western bloc, US President Donald Trump has stated that he is seriously considering withdrawing the United States from the NATO alliance. He made these remarks after NATO allies failed to support the US military action against Iran. Trump's statement has led to lot of concern across European nations. NATO was originally established to protect the United States and its allies from the aggression of the Soviet Union. Currently, the US is the most powerful member of NATO. Consequently, a US withdrawal from the alliance could lead to the disintegration of this military pact.

What did Donald Trump say about NATO?

According to the newspaper's report, Trump described the alliance as a "paper tiger" and asserted that withdrawing the U.S. from this defense pact is now "beyond reconsideration." He noted that he has long harbored doubts regarding NATO's credibility. When asked by the newspaper whether he would reconsider U.S. membership in the alliance following this conflict, Trump replied, "Oh yes, I would say that it is a matter that goes even beyond reconsideration."

What is the US Role in NATO?

- The United States is the most prominent and powerful member of the NATO military alliance. Established in 1949, it serves as a security alliance between North America and Europe.
- The US is the largest contributor to NATO's budget. Furthermore, the U.S. plays the most significant role in Europe's defense strategy.
- The US is a founding member of NATO and leads the military alliance; however, it is displeased with the inaction of NATO nations regarding the conflict with Iran.
- A US withdrawal from NATO would significantly heighten the risk of the military alliance collapsing. Under Article 5 of the NATO charter—which upholds the principle of "an attack on one is an attack on all"—it is primarily the United States that underwrites Europe's security.

Why did Donald Trump Call NATO a 'Paper Tiger'?

Trump stated, "I have never been impressed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger—and, by the way, Putin knows that too." Referring to the state of Britain's fleet of warships, he remarked, "You don't even have a navy. You are completely outdated, and you had aircraft carriers that didn't even work."