Trump considers leaving NATO over European base restrictions

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

WASHINGTON, USA — US President Donald Trump warned that he is seriously considering withdrawing from NATO, labeling the historic military pact a "paper tiger" in response to recent European restrictions on American military bases.

The dramatic remarks, supported by similar warnings from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expose deepening fractures within the transatlantic alliance as Middle Eastern conflicts escalate and European nations increasingly limit US operational capabilities on their soil.

'I always knew they were a paper tiger'

Speaking to the UK-based newspaper The Telegraph on Wednesday, Trump indicated that his frustration with the alliance has moved beyond a simple reassessment. He heavily criticized Western allies for failing to respond to calls to form a maritime coalition aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

"I can say it is beyond a reassessment. I was never impressed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and by the way, Vladimir Putin knows that too. Let alone them not being there, it was hard to even believe... I think this should be automatic," Trump stated.

European restrictions on US bases

The President's sentiments were echoed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested that Washington might have to fundamental rethink its relationship with NATO allies. Speaking to Sean Hannity on Fox News, Rubio noted that once the current conflict concludes, the true value of NATO to the United States must be evaluated.

Rubio, historically a staunch defender of the alliance, emphasized that NATO's primary value relies heavily on the US being able to project global power through military bases located in Europe. His comments follow recent operational hurdles in the Mediterranean. On Monday, Spain closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in missions targeting Iran, and on Tuesday, Italy reportedly denied landing rights to a US military aircraft en route to a combat mission in the Middle East.

"If they say 'No' to letting us use their bases when we need them, then why are we in NATO? That question needs to be asked. If NATO is now preventing us from using these bases, then it turns into a one-sided relationship," Rubio assessed.

UK defends alliance and plans Hormuz talks

In stark contrast to the rhetoric coming from Washington, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered full support for NATO, describing it as the most effective military alliance the world has ever seen. Starmer reiterated that the pact has kept member nations safe for decades and affirmed the UK's total commitment to the organization.

Addressing the maritime crisis that sparked Trump's ire, Starmer announced that the UK will host a summit this week with approximately 35 participating countries to discuss the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomatic talks, which will be chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, will include representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Following the diplomatic discussions, military planners will also convene to evaluate strategies for making the strait safe and accessible post-conflict. The vital waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes, was effectively closed by Iran following US-Israeli strikes in the wake of the war that began on February 28. The upcoming London summit aims to explore political and diplomatic options to restore freedom of navigation, secure stranded vessels and sailors, and restart the critical flow of global commodities.

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