Trump weighs NATO exit, signals deepening rift with allies
Report cites Trump describing NATO as a 'paper tiger', suggesting the alliance failed to adequately support US strategic objectives
US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington could reconsider its decades-old commitment to NATO, in a move that could reshape the transatlantic security architecture amid rising tensions over the Iran conflict.
According to a report by British daily Telegraph, Trump has said he is “strongly considering” pulling the United States out of the alliance, sharply criticising its role and relevance in the current geopolitical climate.
The remarks come against the backdrop of disagreements between the US and its European allies over military support in West Asia, particularly in relation to operations linked to Iran.
Several NATO members have shown reluctance to directly back Washington’s actions, exposing fault lines within the bloc.
Trump has reportedly described NATO as a “paper tiger”, questioning its effectiveness and suggesting that the alliance has failed to adequately support US strategic objectives.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, formed in 1949, has long been seen as the cornerstone of Western collective defence, anchored by the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Any move by the US to withdraw would mark an unprecedented shift in global security dynamics.
"Such a step could weaken deterrence against adversaries and force European nations to rapidly rethink their defence strategies. It may also embolden rivals such as Russia, which has historically viewed NATO expansion with suspicion,” a geopolitical expert said.
The latest remarks reflect Trump’s long-standing scepticism of the alliance, which he has previously criticised as outdated and disproportionately reliant on US resources. However, the current escalation marks one of the strongest signals yet of a potential policy shift.
European leaders have so far responded cautiously, emphasising the importance of alliance unity while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington. Behind the scenes, however, there is growing concern over the durability of the transatlantic partnership.
The developments come at a time when global tensions are already high, with conflicts in West Asia and disruptions in key energy routes adding to uncertainty.
A US withdrawal from NATO, if it materialises, could further complicate an already fragile geopolitical landscape.
