In an interview for CNN, Mark Rutte noted that conversation with Donald Trump was “honest and open”. The NATO Secretary General explained that the US president expressed his disappointment with the attitude of some US allies regarding the war in Iran. Rutte added that he drew the American leader's attention to the fact that the vast majority of European countries provided assistance in terms of providing bases, logistics and flights, and fulfilled their obligations.
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Trump considering leaving NATO?
Mark Rutte's meeting with Donald Trump was aimed at easing tensions that had increased following the US president's criticism of the alliance. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of support from NATO member countries in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The US president suggested that the United States may consider leaving the Transatlantic Alliance if European partners do not increase their involvement. When asked about Trump's declaration, Rutte refused to answer the question whether the US president had told him that he would try to leave NATO. — Well, as I said, the disappointment is obvious, but at the same time he is [Donald Trump] he also listened to my arguments regarding the current situation, he noted.
Meanwhile, the US president after the meeting posted another critical entry regarding the Alliance on social media. “NATO wasn't there when we needed them, and it won't be there if we need them again,” he wrote on Truth Social.
