Trump: “They Weren’t There for Us” on NATO Support
Donald Trump called U.S. support for NATO "ridiculous" in a Truth Social post days before the alliance's summit in Ankara on July 7-8, saying European allies showed no support during the Iran war and that the relationship is no longer mutual.
"It is ridiculous for the United States to continue on this one-sided path when the relationship is not reciprocal. They weren't there for us!!! President DJT," Trump wrote, posting a chart showing U.S. NATO defense spending approaching $1 trillion while major European nations contribute tens of billions by comparison.
"It is ridiculous for the United States to continue on this one-sided path when the relationship is not reciprocal. They weren't there for us!!!" — Trump
Trump had threatened earlier this week that he would not come to the aid of NATO members if asked, citing their failure to back the U.S. military operation against Iran. The threat landed just days ahead of what is already shaping up to be a tense Ankara summit.
A NATO source told Reuters on Wednesday that European allies have covered nearly all the gaps left by American defense plans, though one critical shortfall remains. The U.S. said it will deploy only one strategic bomber aircraft instead of two, a gap the alliance is still struggling to fill.
The Ankara summit is expected to formally announce the European nations' expanded contributions, but Trump's post makes clear he is not satisfied with what allies have done so far. His comments put additional pressure on European leaders to raise defense spending before they sit down at the table next week.
