“We want Greenland.” Trump reignites NATO tensions ahead of meeting with Mark Rutte in Washington
US President Donald Trump launched new harsh criticism of NATO allies, accusing member states of not supporting the United States enough in the conflict with Iran. At the same time, the leader of the White House also brought up the controversial topic of Greenland, before the visit to Washington of the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte.
Donald Trump PHOTO: Profimedia
In a press conference, Trump said that the current tensions in the relationship with Western allies started from the dispute over Greenland, a territory under the sovereignty of Denmark.
“It all started, if you want to know the truth, with Greenland. We want Greenland. They don't want to give it to us. And I told them 'Goodbye'”, said the Republican leader.
Trump also reiterated the threat of a possible withdrawal of the United States from the North Atlantic Alliance, claiming that NATO has lost its deterrent force.
“NATO is a paper tiger“, the US president said, adding that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin “not afraid of NATO”but only by the United States.
“He's afraid of us, very afraid. He's told me that often”Trump claimed.
The US leader also accused allies of avoiding providing logistical support during military operations against Iran.
“They did everything they could to not help us. They didn't even want to provide us with airstrips“, he said.
Mark Rutte, received in Washington on Wednesday
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected in Washington this week, where he will hold meetings with Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth on Wednesday.
Despite repeated criticism of the Alliance, Trump had words of appreciation for the former Dutch prime minister. “He's coming to see me on Wednesday. He's a great guy. The general secretary is fantastic”the US president said.
