President Trump blasted NATO on Thursday for its unwillingness to help with the Iran war and implied the US may no longer “be there” for its allies.
Before the Feb. 28 US-Israeli military attacks, Trump said, “we’re always gonna be there” for NATO allies.
“At least we were. I don’t know anymore, to be honest with you,” Trump said Thursday at a cabinet meeting.
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Trump said the Iran war was a loyalty “test” and ripped Europeans for failing to step up.
“They weren’t there,” he said of NATO allies. “So if there’s ever a big one… I don’t think they’re going to be there.”
“I’m so disappointed in NATO,” he said. “This was a test: you can help us — you don’t have to, but … if you don’t do that, we’re going to remember!”
Trump wanted NATO allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz — as Iran’s attacks on ships have closed off critical energy commerce and rocked oil markets.
The lack of support during the Iran conflict raises serious doubts about the alliance’s reliability — even as the US has spent decades and trillions defending Europe.
“We spent trillions of dollars protecting Europe, protecting the countries of NATO — they weren’t there for us,” Trump said. “This is small time.”
Trump’s broadside comes amid a growing rift with European leaders — especially UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer — who initially resisted joining US-led military action in the Middle East.
Trump took a direct swipe at Starmer, accusing the British leader of sitting out the early stages of the conflict and only offering help after the US had already secured victory.
“We don’t need them anymore,” Trump said.
The remarks reflect escalating tensions between Washington and its traditional allies. NATO countries largely declined to participate in early offensive strikes on Iran, with some leaders arguing the conflict was not their war or lacked clear legal justification.
Trump has repeatedly blasted the alliance over the issue, accusing members of doing “absolutely nothing” to support the US campaign.
The president’s comments raise fresh questions about the future of NATO, which he has previously warned could face a “very bad future” if allies fail to step up.
