Chicago – April 08, 2026
US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of NATO after a closed-door meeting with alliance chief Mark Rutte at the White House, accusing the bloc of failing to back the United States during the Iran conflict. Rutte later described the conversation as “very frank” and “very open,” saying Trump made clear his disappointment with several NATO allies.
The meeting came as tensions between Washington and its European partners deepened over burden-sharing and the alliance’s response to the war with Iran.
Trump said NATO “wasn’t there” when the US needed support, repeating remarks that have fuelled speculation about his commitment to the transatlantic alliance. According to reports, the talks also touched on Trump’s frustration over European resistance to his request for greater military support and access to regional airspace.
Rutte’s visit was widely seen as an effort to reassure the US president and preserve unity within NATO. However, Trump’s post-meeting comments underscored the strain on the alliance as he again questioned whether the US should continue carrying the burden of collective defence.
