US President Donald Trump met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to express strong disapproval regarding European countries obstructing the use of American military bases. Trump accused European allies of failing to provide necessary support in the conflict against Iran and warned of imposing penalties. He described NATO as a “paper tiger” and indicated that the US is considering withdrawing from the alliance.
During the White House meeting, Trump condemned European nations for insufficient cooperation in the war against Iran and threatened punitive actions, although he did not specify the nature of such measures. He voiced frustration at European capitals imposing airspace restrictions and complicating access to military bases.
Targeting certain NATO member states, Trump sharply criticized them by saying, “You were not with us when we needed you.” He condemned European participants, including the UK, for their refusal to take part in military operations against Iran. After the US and all European Union countries declined to engage in military action against Iran, Trump labeled them “cowards” and warned that their lack of support would not be forgotten.
Trump characterized NATO as a “paper tiger,” questioning its effectiveness. In an April 1 interview with Reuters, he expressed a strongly negative view of NATO and acknowledged the possibility of the US exiting the alliance. Since the onset of conflict with Iran, relations between the US and its longtime European allies have reached historic lows.
